Saturday 22nd February
11:00-14:00

Design, carve and print your own original repeat pattern taking inspiration from the William Morris wallpaper exhibition at York Art Gallery.

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 etc!

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.

Saturday 8 February
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.

Monday evenings 18:00-20:30 from 3 February to 10 March 2025.

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 or as a member at Thin Ice Press, following the conclusion of the course. You will take away a portfolio of prints -- a great souvenir of the course, and a handy guide for future printing! 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.

Saturday 22nd March
11:00-14:00

Learn how to carve and print your very own linocut. In this workshop you will learn how to transfer your design onto a block, see demonstrations of carving tips and techniques, and discover how to make beautiful prints. You'll get to practise each stage and can choose to come up with your own design or select one from our samples. We'll experiment with colours, inking, and you'll finish the workshop with a unique souvenir and a passion for print!

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

No experience is necessary: we will provide equipment, step-by-step instructions and support. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time.

Tuesday 18th February
13.30-16.00

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.

Sunday 30th March
11:00-13:30

Worried you’ll make mistakes if you try learning letterpress? This lively workshop with our Director, Helen Smith, shows that error has always been a part of printing. You’ll explore some fascinating examples of where early printers got things wrong, and get hands on with metal type to find out where mistakes come from and what they can tell us.

Sunday 9th February
13:00-15:00

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.