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Abstract
This paper explores the role of Letterpress within contemporary design education in the UK. Letterpress has long been proved as a teaching tool for typography. We seek to explore the value it has beyond this, and as the longevity of such ‘endangered subjects’ are threatened, we question its place within educational institutions.
Letterpress is in danger of being classified as a nostalgic print process. Often work created has a clear aesthetic of blocky, hand-inked wood type, with results arguably twee or verging on the pastiche. We have strived to question this in aligning the teaching of Letterpress with the style of teaching the students are accustomed to within other areas of the curriculum. Emphasis is placed firmly away from how to make, but to why they are doing so. If Graphic Design is essentially about the communication of ideas, students are encouraged to use the process as a conceptual framework for this activity.
This concept-driven approach and the diversity of the student body at the London College of Communication has led to the integration of Letterpress with other mediums, including moving image and other digital technologies. Another avenue being explored is process-driven work, with students using the process to enquire and debate.
We conclude that in shifting away from the teaching of an obsolete craft, the process can continue to integrate and contribute to the students learning experience. When used as a tool for visual communication, the process can continually re-invent itself to ensure its relevance within design education.
This blog documents the journey of Alexander Cooper and Rose Gridneff as they prepare to deliver a paper at the 'Case for Letterpress' session at the College Art Association Annual Conference, February 2010.
Each college presenting are contributing staff and student work for a touring exhibition to give an overview of the different roles letterpress plays in design education.
Participating students from the BA in Graphic Media Design at London College of Communication are:
Kate Burn
Jacqueline Ford
Natasha Pia Podgoretsky
Johanna Woolhead
Alexander Cooper graduated from London College of Printing in 2003 with a BA (Honours) in Typo/Graphic Design. He has run the letterpress workshop at what is now LCC for the past six years, teaching students from across the School of Graphic Design and external groups including University of Delaware, Art Center College and Kingston University. Research focuses on the interaction between content and process, through pushing the boundaries of letterpress whilst respecting its traditions. Other interests include the graphical language of political protest and ephemera.
Rose Gridneff graduated from London College of Communication in 2005 with a BA (Honours) in Book Arts. Since graduating she has taught on a regular basis at London College of Communication, Southampton Solent University and is currently tutor on the BA in Graphic Design at the University of Brighton. Research interests include the role of letterpress in design education, craft and interaction within print.
Alexander and Rose are currently setting up a letterpress co-operative with James Allen and Elliot Hammer.
