Hello, this is Tomigaya Letterpress.
We would like to report on the special workshops held on Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th, at Miruru Library in Nasushiobara City, for the "5X Letterpress + Libri Finti Clandestini Exhibition" (hereinafter referred to as the "5XLFC Exhibition").
Thank you to everyone who visited us during these two days and for coming to the exhibition of works at the Kuroiso store! We will announce next year's event closer to the date.
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On a clear and pleasant Saturday morning, the printing workshop began at 10 AM on December 6th. The instructor was 5X Letterpress. Participants challenged themselves to create posters using a letterpress printing machine with "type" brought from the Tomigaya studio and materials purchased from a home center.
- Trying printing with materials other than type -
- From small to large type, which will you choose? -
Participants were divided into groups of two, and gradually got used to the unfamiliar tools and environment, moving their hands with increasing speed. They placed the type, printed, moved it slightly, and printed again, repeating the process to create the poster's design. Sometimes they mixed inks to create custom colors, or printed again on paper they had already printed on. As the printing work changed before their eyes with each method, the participants' enthusiasm and the atmosphere of the venue seemed to warm up.
- Magnets are used to fix the type, allowing for flexible production -
In addition, a mini-workshop was held next to the poster printing experience, open to anyone who wished to join. Perhaps because library users also stopped by, the space became very lively!
- You can print with small tools. This is surprisingly fun -
After much trial and error over many sheets, the work was successfully completed! Finally, all groups exchanged their posters, marking the end of the printing workshop. Following that, an "Artist Lecture" was held, where participants could listen to the two artists discuss their creative activities and works. It was also a valuable opportunity to see their works firsthand.
- 2025 5XLFC Exhibition / With the printing workshop participants -
- They talked in depth about book and poster production -
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Next, let's look at the bookbinding workshop held on December 7th. This program, where each participant created a hardcover book, began around noon. The instructor was Libri Finti Clandestini.
- What kind of book will it become? -
The materials for the books included discarded paper from magazines and studio printing, and misprinted sheets. First, participants selected and cut out the main body of the book from these materials. The production process allowed for individual choice in size and cutting shape, using readily available stationery, and some even collaged with glue. The unique finishes are a hallmark of this workshop!
- Tearing by hand, making jagged edges, creating your own unique book -
By the way, since you can learn the entire bookmaking process through the workshop, you can gather various materials such as fabric, product packaging, and plastic bags to create books yourself. Knowing how to do it yourself might be an advantage, as it allows you to customize the usage to your own needs.
On the day of the event, a mini-workshop was also held next to the main venue. In addition to printing, a "cut and paste ornament" corner appeared. As on Saturday, many people participated again. Some people were not only decorating inside the ornaments but also around them, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
- Collaging ornaments -
- Gathering the paper and binding it with thread and needle -
Once the contents were gathered, the process steadily moved on to binding with string and then creating the final cover. Similar to printing, this also involved constant manual work, so everyone was incredibly focused! Gradually, it grew darker outside, and the end was approaching.
And so, everyone successfully completed their books! Thank you for your hard work! We hope that the first book you created with dedication through this new experience will become one of your cherished memories.
- The completed unique books -
- Masks seem to be essential for photo shoots! -
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Through our newly opened Kuroiso store, it was a wonderful opportunity and experience to meet all the workshop participants and local community members. Thank you! Tomigaya Letterpress will continue its activities to showcase the charm of letterpress printing, as well as introduce artists and studio communities, so we appreciate your continued support!
Information on exhibition events, workshops, and letterpress products can be found on our official Instagram, email newsletter, and more. Please take a look if you are interested or have the opportunity! That concludes our report on the 5XLFC exhibition!
- 2025 5XLFC Exhibition / Kuroiso Store Window -
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【About 5X Letterpress】
5X Letterpress is a duo unit of a graphic designer and an avant-garde printer. They create works using old letterpress printing machines with various materials, not just type. Since their formation in 2018, they have produced and showcased numerous works that transcend existing graphic design concepts, using various materials found in old print shops and flea markets.
>>WEB Site / 5X Letterpress
>>Instagram
【About Libri Finti Clandestini】
Libri Finti Clandestini creates many experimental book-format works by printing with discarded paper from paper mills, and salvaged type from defunct printing factories.
They also hand-bind parts of printed materials from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, renumbering the pages, and creating experimental works where readers discover new stories in these reborn books.
As you turn the pages, past characters and mysterious figures come to life. Due to this creative style, many of their works are produced as one-of-a-kind pieces or in very limited editions. The creation of these works requires deep research into the materials beforehand, and their expertise extends beyond editing to photography, typography, and urban studies.
>>WEB Site / Libri Finti Clandestini
>>Instagram
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Jointly planned by
Canvas Art and Town Development Association / Tomigaya Letterpress
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