Vicobold and I
About letterpress
Letterpress is an exquisite traditional printing method where a printing plate with raised text and images is inked up and pressed into pillowy cotton paper, leaving behind a satisfying deboss impression.
In my eyes, the result is far superior to modern digital printing – offering a quality of product rarely seen today. Letterpress is a traditional process dating back to the 1550s. Popularised during the Industrial Revolution, it remained the primary form of mass printing until the 1960s, when digital production began to take hold.
Today, letterpress printing is an endangered skill. Only a small number of passionate artisan printers – many of them women – continue to keep this beautiful craft alive for future generations.
I founded Ink & Paper in 2018 with a focus on luxury letterpress and hot foil stationery. My studio houses an antique 1930s Vicobold press and a vintage Marshall foil press, where every piece is both designed and printed in-house. From the outset, my goal has been to blend modern, playful design with traditional print methods – injecting a little fun and modernity into the design and print process while preserving the heritage of the craft.
I’m inspired by a mix of the natural, the playful-that-borders-on-kitsch, and the painstakingly, soulfully designed – which is why London makes my heart full and my mind agile. A perfect day for me might take in the towering palms and lush blooms of Kew’s greenhouses, sunlight over a rooftop bar in Shoreditch, and the architectural splendour of Kensington’s museums. And if you’re ever looking for me, the members’ room at the V&A – Negroni in hand – is a good place to start.
Though a Londoner through and through, I recharge among the many shades of green in Somerset, where my family are from. I need my country lungs to fuel my city creativity, so I often escape the big smoke to explore new places, gather inspiration and collect memories.
I’d love to talk with you about your wedding plans – and how we can make your choice of ink and paper exquisitely meaningful. Get in touch to begin the process – I can’t wait to hear from you.
Why Ink + Paper?
As far as I’m concerned, your wedding invitations should feel like a beautifully crafted love letter as well as looking like a piece of art. That’s why I’m devoted to techniques and processes that emphasise texture and ‘fingerfeel’ – not just visual beauty.
The simple combination of ink and paper has the power to evoke an emotional response – whether through a striking illustration that transports you, a carefully scripted poem, or even a love note hastily left on the kitchen table. I’ve always been fascinated by the possibilities of ink and paper, and I freely admit to being a typography nerd (ask me about my favourite ampersand and watch my face light up).
After a career in advertising and market research, I decided to return to what I truly love: designing and printing beautiful things. I studied Fine Art at Central Saint Martins and completed a degree in Book Arts at the London College of Printing, before founding Ink & Paper to create luxury wedding stationery – bespoke invitations in letterpress and hot foil that combine artistry with craft.
Letters of love
A&J
Beautiful wedding stationery! From the initial consultation and throughout the entire process, Grania has been amazing. Intuitively understanding the vision for the colour scheme and guiding us through the process, Grania managed to capture the style and mood I was hoping to achieve.
We went for a combination of letterpressed wedding invitations and printed on the day stationery. It worked extremely well. Would highly recommend Ink & Paper for your wedding stationery needs!
