We are very excited to be offering an indigo dying and letterpress workshop this coming Sunday 12th May.
Starting from 12pm you will have the opportunity to learn about indigo dyeing and letterpress printing with hands-on experience in both crafts.
As part of the day, you will be able to custom dye a Lightning magazine bandana, using the age-old technique of indigo dyeing; learn about letterpress printing and try your hand at this traditional style of relief printing, creating your own design.
LOVE AND LABOUR - HANNAH LAMDIN
Hannah Lamdin is a textile artist with an MSc in Human Ecology where she examines the relationships between people and the environment and explores how the act of making can connect people through time and place to the/ their environment. She is currently exploring how making and materials can have the power to create a shared/ common language and build a meaningful relationship with the natural world and its materials.
Processes and materials can introduce us to a different relationship with objects, everyday things and the natural world. The act of making or shaping the things we use and wear adds value and an emotional memnonic connection that transforms things from being meaningless or disposable.
Introduction to indigo and shibori techniques;
Get to know and experience the magical properties of natural indigo plant dye in this hands-on workshop. Learn a little about the history and processes of this ancient dye and a few simple shibori methods that you can quickly apply to your own organic, fairly produced cloth bag to then dye and take home.
Please wear old clothes or bring an apron, and bring a plastic bag to take your dyed item home in as it will be wet.
PROBLEM PRESS - STEPHEN KENNY
In the summer of 2007, Stephen came across a Victorian magazine from 1897; featured on the cover (but by no means the largest font) was a 30pt metal font called RUSTIC. Designed by Figgins & Co Type foundry in 1845, RUSTIC's letter-forms were comprised entirely of tiny logs. The detail was exquisite & it marked the beginning of a life in letterpress. Stephen started his business the following summer & quickly caught the attention of Tate publishing, The V&A and Liberty.
Today, Stephen has over 200 metal & wood fonts & is still adding to his collection. He has worked with brands such as Uniqlo, Paul Smith, Full Count Japan, Truck Furniture & China Disney. He has regular exhibitions in Japan & London. He also hosts regular one-day workshops from his print room in Hackney Wick.
Two custom sessions; the first with chromatic wood type - maximum 6 letters. The second custom print will be metal type - maximum 8 letters. Printed on Japanese hand made paper: Atsukuchi 70gsm.
The full day should last around 3 hours with two groups of ten split between each workshop. Indigo Dying with Hannah running at around 1 hour & 30 minutes and Letterpress tutorial lasting around 15 minutes per person for both metal and woodblock printings.
To accompany this our cafe will be serving up free coffee and giving you the chance to try a few Japanese slow drip coffees brewed over the course of 8 to 16 hours in our Oiji slow drip coffee tower.
Tickets cost £20 per person - Available Here