The Hunter Press is a modern Letterpress Print and Design studio offering Letterpress, Foil Stamping and Die Cutting. Not only do they offer bespoke designs for wedding invitations, business cards, and clothing tags, but you can also purchase their contemporary designs on Christmas cards, stationery and prints for your home. We caught up with owner Lyndsey Hunter Davidson to discuss how she got into Letterpress and print design, and what she loves about Edinburgh.
What inspired you to learn letterpress printing? What made you decide to open an artisan printing and design studio?
I started out studying Public Art at HND level in 2003. During the course, I had the chance to explore a variety of creative practices from sculpture to painting which was a fantastic experience. Afterwards, I wasn’t sure where I fitted so made the decision to take some time out from study. Unable to get away from design and creative projects, I headed back to University, and graduated with a 1st Class Honours degree in Design and Digital Art in 2012. This time the course was very computer based and was focussed on interactive experience design and digital installations. I think it was a draw towards being more hands on in my design work as well as a strong urge to step away from the computer screen that attracted me to Letterpress printing. As much as I loved the experiential design side of the course, I was missing the tactile, slowed down approach of those earlier years at college.
I had noticed a gap in the market for high end, traditional printing in Edinburgh and jumped at the chance to fill it. The creative scene is growing rapidly in Scotland and those within are increasingly looking for print ephemera that has that authentic edge.
The goal is to provide an accessible letterpress service to those looking for unique products, no matter how big or small the run.
You pride yourselves on the attention to detail that goes into your printing and designing. Can you tell us about how you ensure such a high quality throughout your creations?
Print quality is so important to me, as are the materials I choose to work with. I spend a lot of time exploring different paper and finishes to ensure the highest quality end product. Researching new paper stock is still one of the aspects of printing that I enjoy the most, I’m a bit of a paper geek.
A great deal of time goes into producing a letterpress or foil print run which is often overlooked. Plates need to be tested, ink colours mixed and sampled on the chosen stock, and that’s just for starters. Each job will go through a number of tweaks and changeovers on the printing press to ensure the perfect impression and coverage. Once this has all been set up, I can then crack on with the print run, checking it throughout to ensure we’re not dropping in quality anywhere.
You combine contemporary and traditional printing techniques. Can you tell us about the different techniques you use and the different presses?
My creative services range from simple concept work to full production. Printing services include Letterpress printing and Hot Foil Printing. There’s also a wide range of finishing services that I offer within the studio, including Die Cutting, perforating, eyeleting etc. In addition to print production, I also offer a full design service.
There are a variety of processes undertaken for each project before the final item leaves the studio. All design work tends to begin as a sketch on paper and is then polished up on the computer in order for the printing plates to be digitally prepared. The plates are then sent away for production – polymer or magnesium.
All printing is carried out on vintage Heidelberg Windmill 10×15″ Platen Presses dating back to 1964. The studio houses 2 Windmills for Letterpress Printing and one Windmill converted for Foil Printing. The windmills are also used for Die-Cutting. I have recently added a Korrex Proofing Press to the studio which will allow me to finally offer larger poster printing services.
Prior to printing, inks are hand mixed, papers are cut to size and the printing press is set up in accordance to the paper weight and print finish required. It’s a long process but very satisfying.
Where do you find inspiration for your beautiful designs?
It’s actually really difficult to narrow down what inspires me. So many things have an effect on the way I work from day to day. I can lose hours browsing images in books or watching videos of other Printers or Craftsmen at work. I think seeing others pushing themselves to their limits in order to create the best end product that they can is hugely inspiring and often reminds me of why i’m doing this. I pull so much inspiration from my surroundings as well. From the people I surround myself with to the changing landscape and my travels.
My studio is located on a farm where it’s nice and quiet, away from traffic and city hustle and bustle – I find that this environment fuels my creativity.
What would your perfect day in Edinburgh involve?
I live a few miles outside of Edinburgh so I love to soak up the old town whenever I can. My perfect day would involve a wander around the Cannongate and Hollyrood area with a visit to Clarindas Tea Room. I’d then pop in to the Museum for a nosey and a touch of inspiration. I’d then enjoy a wander around the little boutique shops on Victoria Street. Perfect spot for dinner would be either Miros Cantina on Rose Street or Monteiths on the Royal Mile.
Finally, where can people purchase your products?
My products can be found within a number of independent shops across the UK including Life Story and, Detail Framing and The Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh. I also have an Etsy shop which is regularly updated with new products: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheHunterPress
