The Association of Handcraft Printers was founded in 1974. Its early members were interested in the practice of letterpress printing – from the machinery, some of which has been refurbished after lying unused for many years, to the skilled operating of the equipment (often by those who served long apprenticeships to learn their trade).
There are many who love letterpress for its tactile nature, the quality of the paper and the beauty of the impressed ink. More recent innovations such as polymer plate printing, embossing and debossing, and paper crafts such as bookbinding and papermaking are becoming part of the letterpress family.
Others had a background in design and compositing and the preparation of inspirational creations ready for the machinist to put to paper. Today our world extends beyond metal type and into the wider world of relief printing. Creative ideas now also include printing on a variety pf other materials.
Whatever your connection to the world of letterpress, you are welcome to join us in the appreciation and practice of letterpress printing. Our members have much to offer those who are interested in learning the skills and thrill of printing traditional letterpress.
AHP membership is open to anyone interested in letterpress and relief printing.