For those who aren’t familiar with a Wayzgoose, it’s a tradition in the letterpress printing world that dates back to the 17th century, when master printers would serve a feast to their apprentices in recognition of the impending shorter days of fall and winter which would require the difficult work of handsetting type by candlelight.
At the SVC Wayzgoose, there will be neither geese nor candles, but it promises to be a smashing event:
Steamroller Letterpress Smackdown: Local artists and design firms will be challenged to produce a poster to be printed in the SVC parking lot with a two-ton steamroller used in place of the traditional printing press.
Letterpress Marketplace: Artists will be on hand selling letterpress posters, cards, books, and other ephemera and promoting their studios.
Equipment Swap: Printers will bring type, tools, printing accessories, and who-knows-what for selling, buying, or simply admiring.
Shop Tours and Printing Demonstrations: SVC’s letterpress shop will be open for tours. Guests will get a chance to print a free letterpress keepsake on SVC’s recently restored iron handpress.