Dates

• Existence: Established 2009

Biography

The first books from Face Press were printed in 2009, at the Bibliography Room workshop of the University of Oxford, at that time housed in a basement under the New Bodleian Library. These earliest projects afforded an introduction to letterpress printing methods and typography, thanks to the generously given help and guidance of Bibliography Room manager Dr Paul W. Nash.

Subsequent books and broadsides have made use of a number of different print technologies. As well as letterpress printing from movable type and zinc plates, risograph, laser jet, ink jet, and colour copier have all been used at different times. In addition to the variety of printing methods, hand-made and mould-made papers have been used to make books, as well as recycled stock and photopaper. Sewn, stapled, and wire stitched bindings have all been used, as well as perfect binding into card wrappers, and (in one case) hardback boards with foiling and a glossy dust jacket.

Face Press maintains no house style for the production of books and broadsides. A range of printing methods have been used to realize a variety of different typographic designs, with different layouts and formats. The input of the text’s author is actively sought in the design process, which also responds to material constraints, such as edition size and budget, as well as to opportunities like the chance availability of unusual paper stocks, or (in the case of one recent booklet printed in Hoxton (June 2016)), the chance to use a specially mixed cyan blue risograph ink.

As well as books and broadsides, Face Press also publishes an occasional magazine of new writing, 'No Prizes'. One issue has appeared annually since 2012.

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