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.

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 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.