Letterpress: a mucky, inky, antiquated process that is experiencing something of a revival. Love letterpress style? Here are five top buys from The Simple Things. Letterpress was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid 15th-century to print books and pamphlets. Until offset printing was developed in the 20th century, it was the principal means of distributing ideas and inciting insurrection. Radical stuff.
Today, the irregular fonts and relief printing process of letterpress lend themselves to cards and posters proclaiming nostalgic witticisms, mottoes, and helpful instruction. June's The Simple Things talks to some of the leading lights of letterpress today, offering a 60-second insight into this curious craft and giving three options for learning to letterpress. Turn to page 93 to find out more.
Want the effect without the effort? Try one of our top five buys (left to right):
1. Get your scouse down pat with this Liverpool Scouse Sayings poster, £22, The Red Button Press.
2. Say bon voyage in style with these luggage tags, £6.95, Meticulous Ink.
3. The Great Bear, re-imagined as a letterpress card, £2.95, Ice and Earth.
4. Take note: this Tickety Boo notebook is perfect for sketches, ideas and more, £5.00, SORT.
5. Mais oui! Go French with this poster. It's all good, £7.32, The Motivated Type.
Not got June’s The Simple Things yet? Buy or download your copy now.