The King Library Press holds seminars and workshops every semester, including the Hammer International Book Arts Biennale, held every two years. The seminars have brought some of the most distinguished printers, type designers, typographers, and book artists from around the world to UK, and give UK students, faculty, staff, and the wider Lexington community an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with noted experts in the field.
Seminars are free and open to the public. Workshops often require advanced registration.
Learn more about upcoming events and find recordings of recent seminars below.
The King Library Press holds seminars and workshops every Fall and Spring.
Join us for the Spring 2025 Book Arts Weekend with artist Virginia McClure.
McClure will offer a free public lecture and lead a hands-on workshop on Waldseemüller’s Map. Published in 1507 by German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller, it is the first European map to use the name “America” for the newly-discovered lands across the Atlantic. Waldseemüller was also the first cartographer to produce a printed globe.
Reprinting Waldseemüller’s MapFREE PUBLIC LECTUREApril 11 | M.I. King Library, Great Hall | Reception 6:30pm | Lecture 7pm
McClure will discuss the history of Waldseemüller’s Map along with the monumental task of reprinting the map using letterpress methods. A catered reception will precede the lecture beginning at 6:30pm. RSVPs are appreciated.
Reprinting Waldseemüller’s GlobeCOLLABORATIVE WORKSHOPApril 12 | 9am – 3pm | M.I. King Library, King Library Press
McClure and the King Library Press will host a workshop reprinting Waldseemüller gores, curved paper to be pasted on a sphere, and other selected elements from the map. Participants will have the opportunity to create a small globe from a selection of historical globe gores.
The cost to attend the workshop is $45 per person ($25 for students). Workshop space is limited and requires reservation. To register for the workshop, please fill out the RSVP form or call (859) 257-1742. Doors open at 8:30 am.
Learn the art of letterpress printing at the KLP's biannual seminars and workshops.
Held every two years, the Hammer International Book Arts Biennale honors Carolyn and Victor Hammer and their legacy to fine printing by inviting distinguished scholars and book artists to lecture on printing, typography, illustration, bookbinding, graphic design, and other aspects of the book arts.
The Hammer Biennale is made possible by an endowment established through the King Library Press. Gifts to the King Library Press are most welcome.
Recent speakers have included:
Richard Kegler delivers the 2022 Hammer International Book Arts Biennale lecture in the Great Hall.
Recordings are available for several past seminars.
King Library Press seminars and workshops draw printers and book artists from around the world.
Chris Fritton