How do digital tools impact an analog process like letterpress printing, and how can letterpress printing speak to a digital world?
During the King Library Press Fall 2025 Book Arts Weekend, designer and printer Brad Vetter will demonstrate the ways in which blending the old and the new can profoundly alter both. Along the way, Vetter will share his vision of unique letterpress creations that are more than a beautiful image – they are calls to action, slices of cultural ephemera, or simple reminders of the good in the world.
All UK students, faculty, and staff, along with the wider Lexington community, are invited to get a taste of the unique process of letterpress printing during a free public lecture and hands-on workshop, Nov. 14-15.
A Revival of SortsFREE PUBLIC LECTURENovember 14 | M.I. King Library, Great Hall | Reception 6:30pm | Lecture 7pm
Drawing on his unique creative process, Vetter will lecture on the means and methods, both personal and artistic, by which letterpress printing remains impactful in the 21st century. A catered reception will precede the lecture. RSVPs are appreciated.
Lasers & LetterpressCOLLABORATIVE WORKSHOPNovember 15 | King Library Press | Doors 8:30am | Workshop 9am | $45/$25 for Students
Vetter and the King Library Press will host a workshop that blends the antique and the state-of-the-art, giving participants the opportunity to create letterpress posters using hand-set type and laser-cut printing blocks.
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.
Brad Vetter is a Louisville-based designer and printer who seamlessly blends traditional letterpress with digital design. After honing his craft at the legendary Hatch Show Print, he founded Brad Vetter Design in 2012. His unique approach to design has caught the eye of major brands like Nike, Chevrolet, and Bitter Southerner, as well as renowned musicians such as Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg, and Death Cab for Cutie. He regularly travels to teach workshops across the country and hosts events at his studio/gallery Friend of Mine in Louisville. His work has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions, and he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with letterpress in the 21st century.
Founded in 1956, the King Library Press is dedicated to carrying on the craft of producing books and broadsides by hand, from typesetting and printing to decorative paper design and book binding. One of the premier teaching presses in the country, the KLP is renowned for the artistry and craftsmanship of its products, which include dozens of books and hundreds of broadsides, keepsakes, and other ephemera, all printed on its numerous hand-operated presses.
