This course will be taught over six consecutive Wednesday evenings at 18:00 to 20:30 from Wednesday 4 February to Wednesday 11 March 2026.

If you’re looking for an in-depth introduction to letterpress printing, this course is for you. Each week, you’ll work through exercises designed to give you a thorough grounding in fundamental printing skills, a working knowledge of different presses, and an understanding of their strengths and limitations. This course will give you the necessary skills to initiate your own projects, and the confidence to troubleshoot problems when they arise.

The course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience who are looking to take their skills to the next level. It will leave you well equipped to pursue your own projects independently

Sunday 25th January
14:00-16:00

Warm up for Burns Night with a fun letterpress workshop!

You will get the chance to set some of your favourite lines of verse in metal type to create a souvenir postcard, and to print a special edition 'Address to a Haggis' poster. We'll finish the afternoon with a tot of whisky (or a non-alcoholic alternative) to toast to Scotland's Bard, and to the spirit of good fellowship!

Thursday 19th February
15:00-16:00

Join us for a hands-on workshop where children will learn the basics of bookbinding and create a unique handmade notebook — the perfect keepsake or thoughtful gift! In just one hour, they will fold, stitch, and decorate a notebook using child-friendly tools and colourful materials.

This is a small-group workshop for children ages 8+, and we provide all equipment, step-by-step instructions and support.

All children must be signed in by a responsible adult. Grown-ups are welcome to leave their children for the session and return at pick-up time.

Sunday 1st March
10:00-13:00

Design and print a custom headed notepaper using metal type! This is the ideal workshop for stationery addicts or for anyone looking for a unique and thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one. 

In this workshop, you will learn the basics of typesetting, and will receive expert tuition to set a short letterhead in metal type, choosing from a range of attractive typefaces to create an elegant and distinctive effect. You will have the opportunity to proof and print your letterhead on a range of premium papers. Every participant will go away with 10 sheets of beautiful headed paper and matching envelopes.

£60. All materials, including premium papers, are included in the workshop cost, and no prior experience is necessary.

Thursday 29th January
18:00-20:00

Get to grips with the basics of letterpress printing in this introductory workshop. In this two-hour session, you will get the chance to set a line of metal type, see what it means to lock up a forme, and try your hand printing with a tabletop Adana press. All materials will be supplied, and you will go home with copies of your own hand-printed postcard.

The workshop will be taught by Phil Treble of Muttons & Nuts.

No previous experience is necessary and all equipment and materials will be provided. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time.

Sunday 15th February
10:00-13:00

Get hands on with Risograph printing! In this workshop you’ll learn your way around the analogue basics of the printer and get the chance to transform drawings and collage into two colour prints using the scanner.

The workshop will be taught by Jade Blood. Jade is an Artist and Facilitator who uses printmaking in the expanded field.

No experience is necessary! We provide paper, drawing materials and a helping hand. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time.

Friday 13 February
14:30-16:30

For one afternoon only, the York Centre for Print will be a resolutely cynic-free zone! Join us to celebrate the spirit of romance, and to create a small set of fun and stylish wood type cards. Love is in the air … and in the ink!

The workshop will be taught by Centre Director, Helen Smith.

£15. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time.

Friday 20th February
12.30-15.00

Calling the next generation of printers! Printer’s devils were children who worked in the printing house. This is your chance to become one of them in a fun and engaging workshop with our Director, Professor Helen Smith.

You will find out how a printing house works, and get to grips with wood and metal type. By the end of our session, you will have set a line of metal type, printed a keepsake name badge and fun souvenir, and learned the basics of letterpress printing.

This workshop is for children aged 8+. We ask that children bring a drink and snack for a short break.

Saturday 21 March
10:00-16:00

A one-day course for aspiring printers who have, or want to work with, an Adana printing press. In a small group setting you will learn the basics of letterpress printing and how to use and maintain an Adana. You can bring your own press along for servicing and leave the workshop with a restored Adana and the skills needed to establish your home studio.

The course is suitable for beginners and those with some experience who are looking to take their skills to the next level. It is taught at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, an exceptionally well-equipped printing and printmaking studio in the heart of York. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.