Keeping the letterpress alive – BCU student showcases his skills on Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters

James Rowley developed a passion for letterpress printing while studying Graphic Communications and was one of 12 invited guests to feature on the Sky Arts series, which highlights endangered heritage crafts, such as blacksmithing, mosaics and stone carving.

“It was such a fun and rewarding experience,” said the Birmingham-born 20-year-old, who was brought up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

“It’s reignited my passion and inspired me to invest in a hand press. I want to keep letterpress printing alive, to preserve it for others.”

Letterpress printing was once the main form of communication for more than 500 years, from the mid-15th century to the mid-20th, but the art form has almost died out.

“I loved screen printing in college, but I became really intrigued by letterpress printing after a placement at a print studio in Derby while I was at university,” said James.

"I’d love to continue my passion, whether by designing and making typefaces, running my own studio, or collaborating with others.”

Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation features 11 other junior crafters.

"There were so many highlights to being on the show, but the ones I loved the most were working alongside the others and learning from their unique techniques,” said James.

"Another unforgettable moment was meeting Bill Bailey. It was a brilliant experience."

The episode featuring James airs on Sky Arts on Wednesday 18 December.