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The story behind Mostly Flat

I'm a letterpress artist printmaker. I set up Mostly Flat in 2013. My workshop in Brampton Bryan, on the Shropshire/Herefordshire borders, houses a growing collection of antique and vintage wood and metal type, ornaments, image blocks, two floor-standing cast iron hand-fed presses (one foot-operated, one powered), a range of tabletop platen presses and four flatbed proof presses.

My work often involves a play on words and language, often with a humorous or playful edge. One of relatively few letterpress artists working with hand-set type and ornaments, I thrive on the restricted palette enforced by working with a limited set of materials and find it drives me to devise creative solutions to my often-challenging projects. Though the tools and materials are traditional, I bring a contemporary sensibility to them which has been filtered through my own experiences in graphic design for the digital realm. I make prints, posters, ephemera and artists books. I also welcome commissions, designing and printing letterpress stationery, invitations, and special projects to order. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss a possible project. 

Wherever possible I choose recycled and FSC certified paper to minimise Mostly Flat's impact on the environment.

The heritage of letterpress printmaking is deeply ingrained in my practice. I'm committed to helping maintain and continue that, not just through my own work, but in sharing and passing it on in turn too. I am a patient and enthusiastic teacher, passionate about showing people of all ages how to print letterpress and experience the history, process and simple joy of this 550 year old craft. When we're not in the midst of a pandemic, I run workshops teaching letterpress printing at my studio, and also take my presses out to events, schools, shows and organisations further afield.

I am a member of the British Printing Society, the Oxford Guild of Printers, and the Heritage Craft Association.

Photo by Ashleigh Cadet