First Collaborative Print Shop in the Northeast Opens in Lynn

First Collaborative Print Shop in the Northeast Opens in Lynn

The Brickyard Collaborative, a makerspace that just opened its doors in Lynn, has launched the only letterpress, intaglio and silkscreen print studio available for use on a membership basis in the Northeast.

Master Printmaker Mitchel Ahern, through his affiliations with the letterpress community throughout New England and Rochester, NY, has assembled a fully functional traditional print studio, dubbed “Book Arts at the Brickyard.” Among the presses they own are a Daughaday Model 1 tabletop press, a small showcard press, a Golding Pearl #3 platen press, a vintage sleigh press, a Potter #2 proof press, a wonderful vintage intaglio press, a small 4x silk screen press, a large paper cutter, and a beautiful Golding Jobber #6 that just needs some loving care after decades of neglect.

While there are many studios and educational institutions that teach classes in letterpress and book arts, Ahern’s at The Brickyard Collaborative is one of only two where an aspiring letterpress devotee can actually print on an array of equipment outside of a workshop or class, and continue their career in traditional printing.

“Every year thousands of students graduate with art degrees in Massachusetts, many with degrees in printmaking. But, it is difficult and expensive to set up a print shop in a small apartment or even in an artist’s studio. We created the Brickyard Collaborative Book Arts studio for people who want to print, and need a place to do so. With letterpress, intaglio and silkscreen stations we’re forging a community of artists to print great things.

Letterpress, silkscreen and intaglio printing have a physical presence you just don’t get from digital prints. You can sense the hands of the craftsperson in the work. There is a significance to a handmade print that enhances event invitations, posters, cards and other important ephemera.”      -Mitchel Ahern

Side-by-side with 21st century digital printing and imaging workstations, the Brickyard Collaborative Book Arts Studio is a throwback to another era of handset lead type, cast iron and the unmistakable sounds of the 19th century print shop machines.

A full range of workshops is offered, including Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced Letterpress classes as well as Letterpress Printing on Fabric.  More information can be found on the website, www.thebrickyard.org.

About The Brickyard Collaborative

The Brickyard Collaborative is a MakerSpace in Lynn community, with two additional facets – an entrepreneurship support network of shared business facilities, mentorship and resources, as well as facilities that augment the several academic STEAM programs in the area.

The Brickyard Collaborative serves primarily the city of Lynn and surrounding communities of Saugus, Nahant, Swampscott, Peabody, Danvers, Salem, Marblehead and Beverly and will build Lynn as a center of innovative thought, work, and economic strength for the North Shore.

The Brickyard Collaborative is founded on a philosophy based on the power of cooperation, collaboration, a positive and supporting community of diverse, creators, builders, designers, entrepreneurs and students of any age, and is fully equipped with a Digital Studio, a Book Arts Studio, a full machine and woodshop as well as 3D printing and laser cutting capabilities.

Learn more at www.thebrickyard.org

Contact The Brickyard Collaborative at ted@thebrickyard.org, or call at 978 621 5178.