In early 2016 we hosted the UK's very first comprehensive mimeograph workshop.

The session was an introduction to the possibilities of the extremely specialist print medium of stencil duplicating, using a Mimeograph. The technology predates the photocopier and is often compared to a manual Risograph machine.

The process involves creating text, images and artwork onto a master screen, and using it to experiment with split CMYK, colour gradients and overprinting – much in the same way as letterpress applications. 

We invited Erwin Blok, a collector of mimeograph technology and culture, who brought a number of restored machines from his vast personal collection. Blok is a renowned expert on the subject, dividing his time between restoring time-worn equipment, collecting paraphernalia as well as moderating international workshops, regularly at Van Eyck Academy.