Letterpress printer Nick Hand greets each working day in an Aladdin’s cave of cast-iron presses, wooden type and the rich scent of ink – a world away from the glow of a laptop screen.

From this Victorian workshop in the heart of Bristol, Nick runs the Letterpress Collective and The Department of Small Works, reviving endangered printing skills while collaborating with poets, musicians and designers on fresh-as-today posters, books and playing cards.

‘If you are a wizard, these are the materials you make magic from.’ – discover the spell of antique presses and modern creativity in this episode.

Episode summary

Nick Hand

Designer-turned-printer Nick Hand founded The Department of Small Works and the Letterpress Collective to safeguard Bristol’s last working presses and type. He produces fine letterpress prints, teaches workshops and documents British craft through cycling expeditions that have become three celebrated books of maker interviews.

Big ideas in this conversation

• ‘Own the means of production’ – keeping historic presses working lets creatives control every stage from idea to finished object.


• Slow technology – setting type by hand invites reflection, precision and a deeper relationship with words.


• Old tools, new twists – laser-cut plates and modern design sensibilities keep letterpress fresh and relevant.


• Cycling for stories – Nick’s trips round Britain, Ireland and the Hudson River capture endangered crafts before they disappear.

Advice worth hearing in full

• Start small – a lino block, a spoon and kitchen-table ink can launch a lifelong love of print.


• Embrace accidents – ‘printer’s pie’ and worn type add character no digital font can match.


• Seek out workshops – pottery, sewing, printing or tailoring: hands-on craft restores balance after too much screen time.

Where next?

Browse Nick’s prints and book a workshop at the Department of Small Works, or explore press history and events – including the annual ‘wayzgoose’ – at the Letterpress Collective.

About The 21st Century Creative podcast

Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.

Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.

Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.

The post Traditional Crafts in the 21st Century with Nick Hand appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.