​Letterpress Project

We are developing a community print and publishing project at Stirchley Library, following the generous donation of a letterpress printing press and a large collection of lead type.
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This is an evolving, hands-on project — part learning, part making, and part collective effort to bring a working letterpress back into use.

Project Update Summer 2026

Since receiving the Adana Eight Five press in 2025, our letterpress project has continued to grow. More than 50 people have expressed interest in getting involved, and our monthly dissing parties and introductory workshops have helped establish a small but enthusiastic community of volunteers, artists, printmakers and local residents.
We are now developing plans for a community print and publishing workshop based at Stirchley Library. Inspired by Birmingham's historic Street Ballads tradition, we hope to work with participants, artists, historians and community partners to create new collaborative publications exploring contemporary life in Birmingham through writing, printmaking, performance and storytelling.
The project remains open to anyone curious about letterpress printing, typography, publishing, print culture or community arts. If you would like to be involved, we'd love to hear from you.

​Learning and making together, Spring 2026

Watch our press in action,  demonstration by Rae Holden 

Rae delivered free letterpress workshops in Stirchley Library, introducing us to our press, type, and equipment, and teaching us how to set type, formes, and print. 

We previously ran a series of free workshops led by professional letterpress printer Rae Holden who generously gave her time and expertise for free, introducing participants to the processes of typesetting and printing.
We hope to offer further workshops in the future as part of a funded programme.

​Monthly ‘Dissing Parties’

At the moment, the project continues through our regular ‘dissing parties’ — informal sessions where we sort and organise the donated type.

Second Sunday of each month
11am–1pm
Stirchley Library
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These sessions are open, social and collaborative, and play an essential role in making the collection usable for future printing. No prior knowledge is needed.

Dissing Party at Stirchley Library

Looking Ahead

We are currently seeking funding to establish a permanent community print and publishing workshop at Stirchley Library. Building on the enthusiasm generated through our dissing parties and introductory workshops, we aim to develop a long-term programme of letterpress printing, collaborative publishing, storytelling and performance inspired by Birmingham's historic Street Ballad tradition.
The project will continue to create opportunities for people to learn new skills, contribute ideas and help shape the future of this growing community printmaking and publishing project.