Chalmers Hall Letterpress Lab

The department houses a letterpress and book arts studio. Long-time lecturer Linda Samson Talleur teaches letterpress, book arts, and oversees the proper safety and maintenance of the presses, metal and wood type, and the polymer platemaker. In 2014 the letterpress studio was renovated a new model 718T2 ADA compliant stainless steel sink by California Stainless and a WSL polymer platemaker were added

The ventilation system was installed in 1999 and updated in 2014 and 2019. It is intended to improve indoor air quality by pulling fumes directly off the presses and exhausting to the outside. The system was designed for 500 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per snorkel. Multiply by 4 for a total of 2000 CFM. Solvents are minimal, and kept in a regulation flammable liquid storage cabinet with lock Nitrile gloves and disposable nitrile gloves are available in multiple sizes for the use of students and faculty.

Bookbinding and papermaking equipment has been purchased by the department and donated to the school by various people. For safety, access to the cutting machines is limited to class time. (They are in a locked room and each is locked within the space.) 

Location

324 Chalmers Hall

Primary Contact

Linda Talleur, 785-864-4469, ltalleur@ku.edu

Accessibility and Limitations on Use

VISC 310/710 Letterpress meets T/Th 8:30—11:10. Access to the lab is limited to students currently enrolled in the class.

Hours

Open upon request

Training Required

Yes.

Available Equipment

  • 2 Vandercook Universal III Power Test Presses

    Bed size: 19" × 42½"

    Maximum sheet: 18¾" × 28"

    Maximum form: 18"× 24"

    (adjustable bed)
  • 1 VandercookNo. 4

    Bed: 15" × 35"

    Maximum sheet: 14¾" × 20"

    Maximum form: 14" × 18"
  • 1 Vandercook T4

    Bed: 15" × 35"

    Maximum sheet: 14¾" × 20"

    Maximum form: 14" × 18"
  • Vandercook 1 Proof Press

    Bed: 16" × 21"

    Maximum sheet: 15¾" × 19"

    Maximum form: 15" × 17¼"
  • 1 Chandler and Price manual-treadle platen press

    Chase size 10" x 15" 
  • 1 Chandler and Price manual-treadle platen press

    Chase size 7" x 11"
  • 1 Golding Pearl manual-treadle platen press

    Chase size 5" x 8"
  • 18" x 35" hand-operated proof press
  • 16" x 27" poster press
  • Hacker Plate Guage model 6 
  • 30" x 40"  Kutrimmer precision cutter
  • WSL Resin Platemaking Machine 
  • 24 24-case banks of type
  • 1 16-case bank of wood type and misc photo engravings
  • 1 12-case oversized bank wood type
  • 2 two-thirds case banks
  • assorted ornaments and rule
  • P-22 Blox, 1 large, 2 small sets (444 Blox) STL 3D printer files - to print Blox on any 3D printer, P22 Blox digital font - for digital mockups and digital layouts
  • 2 100-galley galley racks
  • 5 Boxcar bases 9" x 12"
  • 12 Boxcar bases 9" x 6"
  • 4 Boxcar bases 4.5" x 7.5"
  • 2 deep relief Boxcar base 4.5" x 7.5" and 9" x 6"
  • 2 Drying Racks, one 32" x 23", one 35" x 27"
  • Light Panel portable light table 18" x 24"
  • 2 custom carts for storage of large forms of set type or plates that also serve as additional ink mixing stations/temporary tables

Rules on Usage

Access to the letterpress lab is a privilege and will be denied if the rules are not followed. The studio should be left in order when you leave. Failure to maintain the facility in the best condition will result in denial of access to the lab when the instructor is not present.

  • No cell phones, ear buds or earphones are allowed in the pressroom (324).
  • No food is allowed in the pressroom. Drinks must have spill-proof lids.
  • No sandals, flip-flops, etc. only shoes with closed toes. Wear comfortable shoes, you may be standing for a long time.
  • Tie back long hair; remove scarves, roll-up long sleeves. Wear appropriate attire. The products and equipment in the letterpress shop were intended for an industrial setting.
  • Drinks with spill-proof lids may be consumed in the pressroom. Mark your cup/bottle with your initials and dispose of it properly before leaving.
  • Clean up your mess. Put away your furniture, spacing material, proofing papers, inks, palette knives, etc.
  • First aid supplies are under the sink.

Safety

  • The pressroom is outfitted with a four-snorkel ventilation system.The ventilation system was installed in 1999 and updated in 2019. It improves indoor air quality by pulling fumes directly off the presses and exhausting to the outside.
  • Solvents are minimal, and kept in a regulation flammable liquid storage cabinet with lock
  • Nitrile gloves and disposable nitrile gloves are available in multiple sizes for the use of students and faculty
  • There is a dedicated flammable waste containment can.