PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS The Melbourne Museum of Printing offers a range of workshops and classes for serious graphic designers, part-time print enthusiasts, secondary and tertiary students, teachers and anyone who is keen on getting their hands dirty!
BEGINNERS LETTERPRESS WORKSHOP Nothing says typography like the smell of molten lead. Find out about the thrilling world of letterpress while discovering the joy of cleaning ink and kerosene from your hands. We’ll look at why you don’t ever want to have a printers pie even with slugs. You’ll be frustrated at the impossibility of proper kerning and pull your hair out when you realise that lovely font is missing some letters and you’ll have to rethink it all. If you’ve ever wanted to find out what letterpress is and how it all works then this class is for you.
As classes are aimed at the beginner we will look at various typesetting methods before each student decides on the appropriate method for their chosen artwork. Time will be given to refine the printing process to ensure that everyone walks away with their own masterpiece. Set over six classes students will learn about the history of printing and typesetting with a focus on the processes and machines that make it all possible. We’ll begin by going through the history of the printed word and students will begin to get an idea of the most appropriate method of typesetting for their print. As machines are limited, prepare to be flexible with your ideas to accommodate everyone. We’ll be looking at everyone’s ideas as a group and then decide upon the best course of action for each student. Ample time will be given to playing around with your design while indulging ourselves with the craft of typesetting. There will be plenty of time to refine and improve the quality of your work. Then watch in joy or recoil in horror as your type is melted back from whence it came. www.mmop.org.au/programs Classes: 6 x 3 hours, Wednesday nights Cost: $350 (no concessions) Bookings: info@mmop.org.au
GRAPHIC STUDENTS’ WORKSHOP
FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM
The Graphic Students’ Workshop is an event for students of subjects like Visual Communication, DTP, media studies, in fact any students for whom typography is important.
Over the past 2 years the MMoP has come under increased financial pressure and at this point is in a perilous position.
The workshop allows students to see the main printing processes (letterpress and lithography) with emphasis on the traditional methods; how metal type is set by hand and by machine; how type is arranged within the sheet area; and the four elements of printing (type/plate, ink, paper/ position and pressure). This workshop explores the traditional rules of text assembly including type sizes, leading, kerning and justifying and then shows linkages from those traditions into today’s software.
Consequently a volunteer committee of artists and designers has been formed to undertake an extensive campaign to try and save the museum, and thus increase patronage and use of the museums print workshop facilities by artists and students. Become a ‘Friend of the Museum’ and help preserve this unique collection. Membership includes: • Full day studio access with print technician • 2 transferable double passes to the museum • Privileged access to all functions • Previews of exhibitions by resident Artists • Subscription to online newsletter
There is some hands-on opportunity, involving written instructions, page make-up and leading, and hand printing a souvenir print. Classes: 5 hours (bookings essential) Cost: $495 (up to 20 students per session) Bookings: info@mmop.org.au
Waged: $250 (annual membership) Unwaged: $125 (annual membership) Contact: info@mmop.org.au
MELBOURNE MUSEUM OF PRINTING 36 Moreland Street Footscray, Victoria AUSTRALIA 3011 +61 3 9689 7555 www.mmop.org.au info@mmop.org.au
Photography: Tobias Titz
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Opening Hours
 Thursday & Sunday from 2pm, or by appointment. Getting There Public Transport from Melbourne Catch the train from any city station to Footscray: travel time 8 min, walk 8 min. At Footscray station go to platform 4 exit (if not there already), walk East along Bunbury St 300 m, then North along Moreland St to No. 36. If it helps, follow signs to Footscray Community Arts Centre. By Car The Museum is located on Moreland Street, about 100 m South of its intersection with Hopkins Street. Hopkins is the extension (after crossing the Maribyrnong River) of the better-known Dynon Road, a main artery from the city. From Dynon Road/Hopkins St, turn left into Moreland St, immediately after crossing the river. There is ample on-street ticket parking around the Museum.