Each Wednesday from 12 November to 10 December 2025
18:00-20:00


On this immersive course, you’ll get hands-on experience with five different printmaking and book arts techniques. You’ll learn the basics of linocut printing, Risograph, drypoint, and letterpress, alongside bookbinding skills to create a unique portfolio showcasing your work.

The course is taught at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, an exceptionally well-equipped printing and printmaking studio in the heart of York, across five consecutive Wednesday evenings at 18:00 to 20:00 from Wednesday 12 November to Wednesday 10 December 2025.

If you have any questions, experience difficulty booking, or wish to pay in installments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly. Email us at thinicepress@york.ac.uk with any questions.

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

Monday 19th December
11:00-13:00

It’s supposed to be the saddest day of the year. But who can be sad with this cut-price weekday workshop. We’ll be thinking sea, sky, blue eyes, cornflowers, dusk and lapis lazuli. Join us to find your bluest words, and use wood and metal type to print the blues away … in shades of blue, of course!

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

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

Saturday 22th November
10:30-11:30

As we head into the festive season, 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 holiday 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.

Thursday 20th November
17:00-20:00

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use drypoint etching tools to create and print from your own plates. We’ll explore a range of mark-making techniques to scratch, score, and draw directly onto the surface of the plate, before inking up and running them through our etching press.

The workshop will be taught by Izzy Williamson, a York based printmaker.

Perfect for beginners or those looking to expand their printmaking skills. This process can be well suited to simple patterns and mark-making, placing importance on the process rather than the participants’ drawing skills. No experience is necessary: we will provide equipment, step-by-step instructions and support.

Sunday 21st December
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.

Sunday 23rd November
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.

Thursday 4th September
18:00-20:30

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

In this 2.5 hour 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. You will be offered the opportunity to order additional copies for a small fee or explore our membership options to print more copies yourself.

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

Sunday 14th December
13:30-15:30

Join us this festive season for an opportunity to print your very own linocut Christmas cards to send to your nearest and dearest. In a small group setting you will come up with a simple design, carve your block and print a set of cards.

The workshop will be led by Izzy Williamson, a York based printmaker specialising linocut.

We will provide all equipment, step-by-step instructions and a helping hand. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time.

Sunday 18th December
18:00-20:00

Join us this festive season for an opportunity to print your very own linocut Christmas cards to send to your nearest and dearest. In a small group setting you will come up with a simple design, carve your block and print a set of cards.

The workshop will be led by Izzy Williamson, a York based printmaker specialising linocut.

We will provide all equipment, step-by-step instructions 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.

£10. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time.

Saturday 15th November
10:30-14:30

Join this small group workshop to design and print an ornamented letter.

Thin Ice Press is home to an impressively large collection of wood type. Explore the collection and learn the fundamentals of working with wood type. Then, create your own linocut block to overprint directly onto the letterform. All participants will leave with a unique souvenir that combines wood type and linocut printing.

The workshop will be taught by Phil Treble and Izzy Williamson.

No previous experience is necessary and all equipment and materials will be provided. You are welcome to bring a snack or packed lunch 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.

Sunday 7th December
11:00-15:00

Design, carve and print your own original repeat pattern to create a sheet of wrapping paper.

In this workshop, you will learn how to create a seamless pattern design and translate it into a linocut fit for printing. You’ll come away with prints on paper ideal for endpapers, scrapbooking, gift wrapping and more!

The workshop will be led by Izzy Williamson, a York based printmaker specialising linocut.

We will provide all equipment, step-by-step instructions and a helping hand. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time. You are welcome to bring a snack or packed lunch for a short break.