“I am a practicing printmaker, tutor, and technician. I was aware that the knowledge to restore a press, or even to properly maintain one, was dwindling in the UK and Europe. This terrified me as I am obsessed with printmaking and it is reliant on, and inseparable from, the equipment. What happens if we can’t maintain, restore, or look after that equipment? Instead of being a viable, ongoing creative practice, printmaking becomes antiquated – in danger of being lost or stagnant, with presses and equipment becoming mere curious objects and fancy ornaments for foyers and receptions. What started as an introspective fear has grown to become Printmaking Services. I’m passionate about creating viable longevity for all aspects of printmaking.” – Theo Miller

Testimonials

“I recently sold a large etching press (Hunter Penrose No 8). The buyer employed Printmaking Services to remove the press from my studio. Theo arrived at the arranged time and expertly and efficiently partially dismantled the press and moved it out and onto his van.

It was clear that he was very knowledgeable about the press and is a careful and meticulous engineer. He and his assistant were friendly and pleasant. The whole operation went very smoothly. I would not hesitate to call upon him again and would recommend him to any other printmakers or studios.”

— Michelle Griffiths VPRE

“Theo was hired to maintain our presses at Birmingham City University this past year, he is an outstanding contractor who not only exhibited remarkable professionalism but also a warm and friendly demeanour throughout his visits. His unparalleled expertise has been instrumental in the smooth functioning of our presses.

One aspect that sets Theo apart is his proactive approach to maintenance. He sensed an issue would arise with our hand iron press and so employed a preventative measure which has bypassed the issue of future printing problems. His thorough inspections and routine checks have saved us valuable time and resources allowing us to focus on teaching.

Furthermore, Theo’s responsiveness and reliability have been exemplary. He has adhered to agreed- upon schedules, promptly arriving with a positive attitude and ensured an organised working environment emphasizing safety and minimal disruption to the printmaking workshop. This level of consideration and thoughtfulness made a great deal of difference in a heavily used student area.

Beyond his technical expertise Theo has clearly built up a good network and is able to have made any specialist parts needed for maintaining presses.

His friendly and approachable nature makes it a pleasure to work with him and he has become a trusted contractor that we will use on an annual basis.”

— Naomi Kent MA FHEA

If you have worked with Printmaking Services and would like to add a testimonial, please get in touch.

Where we’ve worked…

We have worked all across the UK and occasionally Europe and further afield.

For Individuals: professional artists, hobbyists, beginners and small publishers and small independent businesses. I have been honoured to have worked with some of the UK’s most respected printmakers and artists, across all printmaking processes including (but not exclusively) Letterpress, Bookbinding, Wood Engraving, Relief Printing and Linocut, Lithography, Intaglio, Screen-printing. I am always delighted to be welcomed into these personal creative spaces and to be able to help.

For Small Organisations: Open Access Workshops, Cooperatives, Collectives, Community Spaces and Charities. I have worked U.K wide with organisations, open access studios such as:
East London Printmakers, Leicester Print Workshop, Spike Print Studio, and other studios such as London Centre for Book Arts, Poole Printmakers, Frome Printmakers, Frankenstein Press, Carousel Print Studio, Handprinted , The Mawddach Residency and more.

For Large Organisations: Universities, Libraries, Museums, Schools and Large Editioning Studios. I am so delighted to have worked and travelled the UK to visit and work with some amazing studios and institutions including but not limited to:
The National Trust, Shakespeare’s Globe, Glasgow School of Art, University West of England, The Bodleian Bibliographical Press, University of Bristol (Bristol Common Press) , Art Labs Contemporary Print (UCLAN), Edinburgh College of Art, Cambridge University Library, University of York (Thin Ice Press/York Centre for Print) , Norwich University of the Arts, National Print Museum, Liverpool John Moores University, Birmingham City University, National College of Art and Design (Dublin), Nottingham Trent University, City Lit College London, Buckinghamshire New University, University of Stirling (The Pathfoot Press), University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth.
Including Schools and Colleges such as Southport College, New College Swindon, Leicester College, Folkestone Academy, Tonbridge School, Nottingham High School and Worth School.

I am always delighted to see new studios, meet new people and help preserve printmaking for all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think Printmaking Services could help you out!

I have an enhanced DBS Certificate for work within schools, colleges, universities or with vulnerable adults.

The Printmaking Services typeface is ‘Meuse’ –

It was made by Mark McKellier as a redrawing of letterpress type rescued from Meuse in France.

Supporting a revival of making woodtype in the UK, Mark’s craft in making new woodtype allows us to physically print materials with this type.