Betterpress offers a printmaking and collage workshop for children, teens, and young people aged 8 to 99.
Children aged 5 to 7 may participate if accompanied by an adult.
At the beginning of the workshop, participants will be given a simple introduction to how letters of the alphabet are printed using original wooden movable type and a letterpress printing press. Children will be actively involved in choosing colors, manually inking the type, and printing.
Once printed, the letters will be cut out and become truly “movable” again. From simple marks, they can transform into figures, characters, animals, landscapes, or portraits. Each child will be invited to create their own Typo—a character of their own invention composed of letters, numbers, and glyphs.
Letters are always arranged in sequence to form words. But what happens when we set them free?
Through printing, cutting, composition, and collage, we will explore the transition from sign to image, playing with forms and meanings and bringing unique and unexpected characters to life.
At the end of the workshop, those who wish may present their Typo to the group and share their work.
Led by
Francesca Colonia and Giulia Nicolai from Betterpress.
Timetable
11:00 – 11:45
12:00 – 12:45
15:00 – 15:45
16:00 – 16:45
17:00 – 17:45
Typographic materials: wooden movable type, letterpress printing press, rollers, spatulas, and water-based inks (Safe Wash). Paper, cardboard, scissors, and glue.
All materials are provided by Betterpress.
To participate, it is necessary to fill out the registration form available at this link: https://forms.gle/B1yRsweydvrAuskBA
Completion of the form is required to confirm registration.
Betterpress Lab is a traditional and vintage letterpress printing studio based in Rome.
Founded by Francesca Colonia and Giulia Nicolai, Betterpress Lab is a space open to the public for those interested in undertaking artistic research paths. Using period tools and equipment, Betterpress Lab promotes the reinterpretation of traditional typographic techniques within an environment dedicated to the sharing of knowledge and skills.
Since 2014, after recovering and housing antique printing presses, wooden and metal type, Betterpress Lab has brought back to life the traditional technique of hand composition, creating limited-edition fine art prints.
The workshop is presented in collaboration with REF – Romaeuropa Festival 2026, as part of the Design Talks.
