Letterpress is the oldest form of printing. In this method, a surface with raised letters is inked and pressed to the surface of the printing substrate (paper) to reproduce an image in reverse. Typically, metal type has been used but other possibilities include carved wood or stone blocks.
After the Gutenberg press introduced movable type to the process in the 15th century, letterpress was the predominant printing method for 500 years. The creation of huge rotary presses made industrial printing and newspaper production practical.
By the 1950s other type of printing such as xerography and offset began to supplant letterpress and by the end of the 20th century, digital printing and related technologies had become the industry standard for many uses. Nevertheless, letterpress is still used for some specialized commercial applications. The old method is also enjoying resurgence among modern-day enthusiasts who prize the hand-made qualities and historical nature of letterpress print. Nerveless letterpress printing is not a quick and easy it’s hard, long work but it yields warmth and a tactile quality that just can't be achieved with any other printing technique. Especially when combined with soft papers, letterpress printing conveys a beauty that leaves a lasting impression. Letterpress can be found on marriage card, post card, files and chocolate wrap or box.
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| PC WORDSMITHS, JUNE 2010 |
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| Jessica Hische, 2010 |
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