Printmaker to get on his bike and head north for letterpress events

Nick Hand.

Nick Hand.

BRISTOL-based printmaker Nick Hand will be bringing his letterpress-bicycle project to Shetland next week.

Hand’s journey has taken him across the UK on a custom-built letterpress bike to celebrate the power of public libraries and the artist press.

Equipped with an Adana Letterpress on the back of his bespoke bicycle, he has been visiting libraries across Britain, producing one-of-a-kind bookmarks with local artists.

Hand will be doing an artist talk at the Shetland Library on Wednesday 16 October from 1pm to 2pm, in collaboration with local arts organisation Gaada.

On the following day (17 October) from midday to 2pm the letterpress will be in action, with visitors invited to try out printing their very own bookmark.

Photo: Nick Hand

Photo: Nick Hand

These are free events, with donations welcome.

Explaining what has brought him to the other side of the country, Hand said: “Libraries enrich communities and people, so visiting Shetland is really important because it shows the importance of reaching communities as well as a place to ensure that books about or published in Shetland are kept and available to this and future generations.”

The Shetland stop is said to be particularly special as it will showcase a bookmark designed by local artist Helen Balfour, which includes a traditional Shetland riddle.

Attendees will have the chance to print these unique bookmarks themselves and see if they are able to solve Balfour’s ‘guddick’.

Gaada co-founder Daniel Clark meanwhile highlighted the importance of linking up with the Shetland Library.

“Both organisations are inherently entwined with a love for print, creativity and learning, offering access to collections of materials and facilities which nurture Shetland’s cultural heritage and inspire new creative works,” he said.

Catherine Jeromson from Shetland Library added: “Cycling to Shetland in October is ambitious. Cycling to Shetland in October with a printing press attached to your bike to celebrate libraries is simply heroic!

“We are honoured that Nick is taking his ‘Press On’ tour of UK libraries to us.

“We’re really looking forward to finding out more about traditional letterpress printing, how it has evolved and creating something special while he is here.”

Meanwhile Burra-based Gaada is celebrating the first anniversary of its Shetland artists membership scheme which provides benefits and opportunities to living in the isles.

Since the soft launch in September 2023, Gaada has had 53 local artists join the membership.

Perks of the scheme include access to making facilities, one-on-one project support and free development events. More information can be found here.

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