A workshop for Year 8 visual art students to learn about the history of printing how to use a traditional letter press machine.

This term we were fortunate enough to have Gary and Russ from Ferrymead Heritage Park Print Shop.  This was a fun day of education and making. 

We learnt how printing technology had remained almost unchanged for the last 500 years, until the arrival of computers.   We also found out how important printing had been in the development of education, the spread of information, knowledge , language and image.

After an introduction to the history of printmaking we set our names, using moveable metal type, into a frame that already contained a quote. Then we printed the text onto cards using a machine from the museum. Whilst the ink was still wet the text was sprinkled with a gold coloured dust which when heated caused the lettering to become raised.

We were all given a picture frame for our printed quote "It's OK to try and fail but never fail to try"  to take home .

We would like to thank Gary and Russ for all their expertise and  equipment and for making the day such fun for us all.

On Monday, Russ and Mr Parker came to teach us the art of print making. I learnt it must have been annoying to print in the old fashioned days because it takes so long. The best part was we were able to take the printed card and photo frame home with us. Now days with computers it must be a lot easier.  Anton, Room 12

If anyone would like to find out more about the Ferrymead Print Group there are Junior and adult groups that meet at Ferrymead. To find out more please contact Garry via email: fopars73@gmail.com