Experiments with Wooden Type

This is a day course exploring the expressive and experimental qualities of the workshop’s beautiful collection of wooden type.

No type setting skills are needed. We will be using the letters to create a word but will also be considering how the meaning can be expressed through the size of the letters, colour, layout, and repetition.

A day to enjoy using these bold and tactile letters with their many design possibilities.

Course structure

10.00am Introduction to the day and look at examples of printed expressive words and examples of type used to create designs rather than text. . A demonstration of how to select, lay out, ink and print the wooden type so that the meaning of the chosen word is suggested or expressed by how it is arranged on the page and printed. A full discussion of all the possibilities that are available, sizes of letters, ways they can be printed, colour of ink etc.
10.45am Begin thinking of suitable words and looking at type. Make a selection of 2 or 3 words.
11.00am Begin section of type and printing.
12.20 -1.00pm Lunch.
1.00pm Afternoon printing
3.34pm Tidy up and evaluation.

About the Tutor

Sally Stephens is an artist educator based in Northamptonshire. She makes prints using etching, drypoint and monoprinting. She studied printmaking at Central St Martins School of Art and completed an MA at Northampton University in 2002. Sally has worked as a freelance workshop provider for over 14 years, working in a variety of settings including schools and projects involving community groups.

Leicester Print Workshop 

Leicester Print Workshop is the regional development centre for printmaking. Established by artists in 1986, we are a registered charity, supported by Arts Council England. Our RIBA award-winning building is situated in Leicester City Centre's Cultural Quarter and is home to a large, well equipped open access Printmaking Studio.

We have over 30 years’ experience of teaching people printmaking. Our programme offers the largest number and broadest range of printmaking courses in the region, with courses suitable for beginners as well as experienced printmakers, delivered by practicing artists and nationally renowned tutors. Participants learn in small and friendly groups in our purpose-designed studio.