Print & Book Arts
Letterpress Essentials: Metal Type
Prepare to get certified to set metal type in the studio and to use the Vandercook proof press for letterpress projects.
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Sun, 12/14/2025 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sun, 12/14/2025
Waitlist
About
Learn the basic skills required to find, set, ink, print, clean, and store metal type. By the end of this class you should have acquired the fundamentals required to get certified to use the Vandercook proof press, a cylinder printing press developed by Robert Vandercook in 1909 now popular with artists for its precision and ease of use that creates high-quality proofs. You'll learn about job cases, ems and ens, quads, picas, furniture, galley trays, magnets, location-location-location, and why you should always wash your hands after handling metal type.
Details
- Skill level: Beginner. This is an introductory class.
- You'll make a personal quote printed on student-grade paper to take home.
- Once you've completed this class, you're encouraged to practice your skills during Open Studio. Once you've practiced, you'll be able to work with a certifying monitor and get certified to set metal type in the studio and print using the Vandercook proof press.
Prerequisites
Class Policies
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Alejandro Acosta
In the Print and Book Studio, Alejandro can certify people to use these pieces of equipment: the Takach etching presses, metal type setting, wood type setting, the Vandercook proof press, the provisional presses, and the Challenge press.
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