Letterpress Printing from Metal, Wood, and Photopolymer

PRI4697.01
Course System Home Terms Fall 2025 Letterpress Printing from Metal, Wood, and Photopolymer

Course Description

Summary

In this intermediate level course, we will focus on learning letterpress printing within a framework of making visual art. This can be a precision process and it affords a huge range of possibilities for artists who wish to work with multiples and/or use text in their work. It is a rigorous course and each student will develop and design print projects that develop both their technical and conceptual skills. Reading will be assigned each week to expand on knowledge and give context for projects. By the end of term, participants should have the skills needed to make work in the Word and Image Lab, and a broader understanding of the history of printing and its relation to contemporary art practice.

Processes that will be covered include, press work on letterpress proofing machines, setting and printing metal type, printing type high wood blocks, and photopolymer letterpress.

In order for this course to work, students must be interested in following particular procedures and rules for safe and effective handling of tools, machines, and inks, and thusly should expect to spend time and energy navigating a complex workshop environment and collaborate with others.

Related topics that will be covered include the history of printing and letterforms, Typography, Book Design.

Learning Outcomes

  • Some possible learning outcomes:
    -Community Building
    -Typography and Design
    -Effective and mindful use of machines and tools
    -Printing history
    -Text based art
    -Project design

Prerequisites

Print course work completed and passed at 51成人猎奇, and permission of professor.
Email instructor stating interest, include images if you have not studied with them, SUBJECT: LETTERPRESS ENROLLMENT

Please contact the faculty member : tdennerline@bennington.edu

Cross List

  • Design

Instructor

  • Thorsten Dennerline

Day and Time

WE 10:00am-11:50am & WE 2:10pm-4:00pm

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Fall 2025

Area of Study

Credits

4

Course Level

4000

Maximum Enrollment

12

Course Frequency

Once a year