Haynes Hall Letterpress Studio

Courier Press is a fully operational educational letterpress studio at Montana State University in the School of Art, Haynes Hall. Letterpress courses are frequently offered to junior-level graphic design students once a year and quicker, 1-credit courses are offered as an introductory resource to printing. Courier Press aims to offer a unique educational experience that bridges the historical practice of letterpress with contemporary printing practices and explorations. We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment where students can explore the intricate world of typography, design, and book arts in an inclusive and educational setting. 

Courses Offered

GDSN 375: Letterpress, 5 credits

GDSN 265: Letterpress, 1 credit

Location

Haynes Hall, MSU Bozeman Campus 

Primary Contact

Ashley Fuchs

Associate Professor, Graphic Design

Presses & Equipment 

  • Vandercook No. 4, Cylinder Press
Bed Size 15" × 35"
Maximum Sheet Size 14¾" × 20"
Maximum Form Size 14" × 18"

 

  • Asbern ADR-1, Cylinder Press
Bed Size 15¼" × 23¼"
Maximum Sheet Size 15¼ × 19½"
Maximum Form Size 15" × 18"

 

  • Chandler & Price, 10 x 15, Platen Press
Chase Inside 10" × 15"
Chase Outside 12½" × 17"
Platen Dimension 11¼" × 18⅛"

 

Other supplies available:

  • 18 Cabinets of metal type, almost 400 cases
  • 1 Cabinet of wood type, almost 40 typefaces
  • VEVOR automatic paper cutter, 12" by 18"
  • 40" Board shear
  • Triumph paper trimmer 
  • Assorted ornaments and rule
  • Galley Trays
  • 2, Boxcar bases 
  • 1 Portable drying rack
  • Supplies like inks, pallet knives, furniture, reglets, quoins, etc.

The Studio Experience 

At Courier Press, students enrolled in letterpress courses have access to all of our presses and equipment. As the semester progresses, they have access to the presses outside of class time. Safety in the studio and correct press use are of the upmost importance. Students are well educated on not only proper printing practices but also care and maintenance of the historic presses. Projects are crafted to build upon skills and knowledge gained throughout the course. New technologies are also integrated like digital fabrication techniques to explore making new type-high forms to be printed on the presses. Below are some images from recent work in the studio. 

Participant in the workshop offerings. Blue ink mixed on a pallet knife. Students display their type specimen books created with metal type. Type specimen prints for type designed and fabricated by student groups. A student uses the Vandercook press to print a laser-cut form. A student's letterpress poster posted in the Bozeman community. A student holds their letterform type specimen page. Hot pink ink on with type set in the letterpress. A student uses a composing stick to typeset their line. A student pulls ink after mixing two custom colors. A student explores a unique printing texture technique. Wood type printed on paper. A manicule is made using new digital technologies like laser cutting. Sarah Budeski discusses her work at Hatch Show Print. A student's work for a cause of their choosing. A student brays the letterpress form.

Click on an image to view as a slideshow.