About
The LPGDC underpin collections-based teaching and research in the history, theory and practice of typography and graphic communication and related cross-disciplinary study, primarily in literature, languages, ephemera studies history of the book, and cultural studies.
Our Historic Presses Research and Teaching Workshop comprises three research-led reconstructions: a one-pull press; a common press and a lithographic pole press each made by Alan May. These are complemented by examples of the major hand presses made and used initially in the nineteenth century, by a Harry Rochat etching press and by a more conventional press for printing from lithographic stones. The workshop includes a collection of C19 wooden type and metal type for handsetting.
This select handlist provides collection-level descriptions of key collections.
The LPGDC are located within the world-leading Department of Typography & Graphic Communication and used extensively in research and teaching.
Visiting us
The Lettering, Printing and Graphic Design Collections are open by appointment Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.
If you would like to visit get in touch with our Assistant Curator: LPGDC@reading.ac.uk
She will discuss with you what you would like to see, and find out if we do anything to support your visit.
We will provide you with directions if you are travelling by train, bus or car.
We have very few parking spaces so we need to know in advance if you are travelling by car.