After further development of ideas I explored the actual letterpress process, in this case I haven't used a chase because it is not accsessible for such large type at the college - so to typeset my designs I used masking tape to bind together for the actual placement of the type I have had to go by eye. This although different to how I once thought I would be printing turned out just as successful if it had of been a chase the only issue is the amount irrgularities in the prints but i think this adds and element of craft.
When actually doing the designs I was again restricted by the inks I could use, with a limited amount of oil based inks I could use - I had to create and mix my own colours this is really hard to do with a roller. I wanted to experiment with gradients and tones to do this It took great practice I had many attempts at rolling and applying ink correctly. In the end I experimented with applying ink with a paint brush to create a different effect this turned out really well.
I am really proud my prints and most of all I enjoyed doing them it is really opened up a new medium to me and I would consider doing letterpress again as it was worth the amount of effort. I think this is definatley the reason so many practitioners use traditional print methods because of the hard work involved you feel like you have achieved something so great - you put hard work into it rather than just pressing a button.
In conclusion it is clear to me why the persistence of traditional print methods is still going and used.
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