Proceed and Be Bold!

November 11, 2012

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.

November 1, 2012

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

October 23, 2012

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".

Ode to John Lennon

October 15, 2012

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".

The National Bank museum

October 10, 2012

After visiting the Paper mill Herisem we headed to the National Bank museum in Brussels. Founded in 1982 the museum has an impressive collection of numismatic items, documents, books etc.

Paper mill Herisem (BE)

October 9, 2012

Last week we have visited Paper mill Herisem and former cardboard factory Winderickx located in Alsemberg, not far from Brussels. This 19th century industrial complex build in the valley with the wonderful view include farm, house with the former office and tavern.

MIAT. Wood type

September 25, 2012

Spent a lovely day printing specimens with Stan Van Steendam at the MIAT museum.

October 31, 2026

Time for a Birthday Calendar

This year, the Industriemuseum celebrated its 50th anniversary. With the museum shop recently redesigned, it felt like the perfect moment to create something special: a birthday calendar, typeset entirely by hand using wood type and ornaments from the museum’s rich collection, and printed on a Heidelberg KSBA cylinder press.

October 2, 2026

Type walk in Ghent. Before & after. Oudburg.

When walking through Oudburg in Ghent, which I do quite often, I have noticed a number of small changes over the years. Signs disappear. Façades are repainted. Businesses move on. New lettering takes their place.

None of these changes is particularly dramatic. But together they tell us something about how the visual identity of a street evolves.

July 5, 2026

Type Walk in Ghent. Before & After. Looking up: the fading letters of Cockney's Distillery.

A couple of weeks ago, during the annual flea market on Lange Violettestraat, I found myself doing what I probably do too often: looking up.

While most people were browsing records, ceramics and old books, my attention drifted towards the façades. That's when I noticed it. Barely visible beneath layers of age and weather, a painted sign slowly emerged from the brickwork.

May 24, 2026

Type walk in Ghent. Before & after. 90 years of Dossche Sport.

Dossche Sport is one of the symbols of Ghent’s rich cycling heritage — a business rooted in professional racing history, family tradition, and nearly a century of dedication to the bicycle culture of the city.

March 28, 2026

Type walk in Ghent. Before & after. Marchandises & stories.

Tucked away near Sint-Jacobsplein in Ghent once stood a place that many locals still remember with a certain nostalgia: Marchand’10. The name Marchand’10 (Marchandise) — French for “merchant” — suited the place perfectly. This was never just a shop, but a world of its own. It felt more like wandering into a densely packed cabinet of curiosities.

January 18, 2026

Type walk in Ghent. Before & after. Only “Beerhouse” remains.

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant is one of Ghent’s most recognizable cafés. With its large beer selection and sunny terrace along the water, it attracts locals and visitors from all over the world. But this is more than just a place to have a drink—it’s a building with a long and surprising history.

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