PrintLab

PrintLab creates an understanding and facilitates discovery of the traditional craft of letterpress printing by empowering children to be creatively invovled in hands-on workshops, which unite the basic concepts of the craft with new technologies.

Launched in February 2019, PrintLab provides a unique, inclusive and creative space at the National Print Museum for children and families to participate in hands-on social experiences, which aim to provide them with an understanding of the historical, social and contemporary relevance of letterpress printing as a tool for communication.

Taking inspiration from the tinkering and making culture, PrintLab offers a series of ‘fablab’ style workshops, which encourage children to explore individual and communal approaches to design thinking through letterpress printing.

The space features workshops for families and children aged from 4-12 years, which aim to enhance children’s learning experience at the National Print Museum and reinvent the craft of letterpress for a new generation.

PrintLab came about through the project – CREATIVE MAKERS: Kids’ fablabs for letterpress and printing inspired by tinkering and making (CREAM). CREAM was a project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, with four participating partners: Explora (IT), Neapolis (ES), Labora (EE) and National Print Museum (IE). PrintLab – Creative Makers at the National Print Museum was developed in conjunction with project artist and letterpress printer Mary Plunkett.

A sample workshop – LEGOPress

Join graphic artist and letterpress printer, Mary Plunkett, in this playful workshop to build and print using LEGO pieces. Suitable for children ages 8-12. Keep an eye on our What’s on page for upcoming workshops!

Developments

The Education and Learning Department is now looking at ways of incorporating broader audiences in PrintLab and is piloting workshops with Third Level partners.