The Revival of Letterpress and Handmade Type

This handbook uncovers the rich history of handmade type and the process of letterpress printing showcasing works of international top printers and designers. A source of inspiration for type designers, letterpress enthusiasts, design students, and craft lovers.

Letterpress, a Chinese invention from the 10th century consisting in the use of movable types and adopted in the Western Hemisphere about 1440, forever transformed communication and the way and speed at which information is spread, paving the way for the modern press. This book explores the rich history and intricate process of letterpress printing with a curated list of classic movable types arranged in style order, highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship of contemporary typography. A handbook and source of inspiration for type designers, letterpress enthusiasts, design students, and craft lovers alike, it explains the revival of classical letterpress and its widespread use with a modern aesthetics in different forms of art and design such as books, posters, customised stationary, name cards and letterheads, to name a few. Including biographies and exclusive interviews, it also introduces prominent letterpress designers, artists, type foundries, and institutions from around the world, making it a treasure trove for graphic designers, typographers, self-publishing authors, and small presses as well. The future of letterpress promises to be a long and colourful one. Readers are invited to join this fascinating revival and be inspired by the enduring charm of letterpress and handmade type.

Wang Shaoqiang is a renowned artist and publisher. He is also a professor and doctoral supervisor at the Chinese National Academy of Arts (Beijing), a professor and master’s supervisor at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, and a doctoral supervisor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the Macau University of Science and Technology. Specializing in art creation, editing and publishing books about design and lifestyle, he is the founder and the chief editor of the magazine Design 360° and Asia Pacific Design. He has been invited to lecture at various universities and design schools and is a jury panel member of the most prestigious art and design award in China.