Urban Crafts is an online and offline platform that gives ‘urban crafters’ a stage and a place to share their passion with friends and through social media. Every year Urban Crafts organizes a competition between crafters from various disciplines. While scrolling through the pages I was pleasantly surprised to see The Arban Press, a young letterpress studio from Tielt, Belgium being selected as well. Between 5 november and 7 december you can vote for your favorite crafters and help them get in the final.
Proceed and Be Bold!
If you haven't had a chance to see the "Proceed and be bold" yet you can watch the full feature length documentary on Youtube (available for the rest of the month).
It tells the story of Amos Kennedy, a highly regarded letterpress printer from Alabama.
Book Art Fair (Boekkunstbeurs) Leiden. 3-4.11.12.
picture by Rob Over de Linden
If you have some free time this weekend (and you live in the Netherlands or Belgium) you might be interested in visiting the Book Art Fair (Boekkunstbeurs) in Pieterskerk in Leiden. What makes it special is the fact that all books are letterpress printed, handbound and limited edition pieces. There will be a various demonstrations of letterpress printing, paper making and bookbinding. And if you wish to participate there are (mini)workshops for adults and kids as well. Moreover, each visitor will receive a limited edition print especially made for this exhibition.
practical info:
Book Art Fair - 3-4 november, Pieterskerk, Leiden (NL)
3 november - 10.00-17.00
4 november - 11.00-17.00
Entrance fee: adults - 6€, students-3€, children(-12) - free
Het Gonst
Dick Wessels' "Het Gonst" is a one of few private presses still active in Belgium. He was born in Breda, but after the studies at Stadsacademie voor Toegepaste Kunsten Maastricht he stays in Maastricht. While originally being trained as goldsmith he became active as a graphic artist and focuses on publishing of limited edition books - this letterpress printed and hand bound bibliophile editions became known under the name of "Het Gonst".
Read MoreOde to John Lennon
I'm sure this letterpress project will not leave anyone indifferent. According to the legend John Lennon bought the Pablo Fanque's Circus (1843) poster in an antique shop in early 1967. Later this victorian poster has inspired John Lennon to write "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" from "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".
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Paper mill Herisem (BE)
MIAT. Wood type
Spent a lovely day printing specimens with Stan Van Steendam at the MIAT museum.