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 and offers a quality of product that is rarely seen today. It is a traditional printing process which dates back to the 1550’s. It was popularised during the industrial revolution and was the primary form of mass printing up until around the 1960’s when digital production started to take hold.
Letterpress printing is now an endangered skill, and we are left with a small number of passionate artisan printers (many of whom are women) who strive to keep this gorgeous artisan craft alive for future generations.
Ink & Paper was founded in 2018 with a focus on letterpress and hot foil stationery - the studio includes an antique 1930’s Vicobold press and vintage Marshall foil press. My goal when launching Ink & Paper was to blend modern, playful design with beautiful traditional print methods, injecting a little fun and modernity to the design & print process along the way.
About Grania
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 partly why I’m so devoted to techniques and processes that place a focus on texture and tactility, not just visual gorgeousness.
The simple combination of ink on paper can bring out a really emotional response – whether it’s a striking illustration that transports you to another place or time, a beautifully scripted piece of poetry, or a hastily scrawled love note left on the kitchen table. I’ve always loved the possibility that ink and paper provides, plus, I’m a huge typography nerd (and I make no apologies. Ask me about my favourite ampersand and watch my face light up). So, after a career in advertising and market research, I decided to return to what I truly love: designing and creating beautiful things. I studied Fine Art at Central St Martins followed by a degree in Book Arts at London College of Printing, and felt it was time to return to the creative fold.
I’m inspired by a mixture of the natural, the cool-that-sometimes-teeters-on-the-edge-of-kitsch, and the painstakingly, soulfully designed – so London is the place that makes my heart full and keeps my mind agile. Give me a day out that encompasses the towering palms and lush blooms of Kew’s greenhouses, sunlight on a rooftop bar in Shoreditch, and the history and architectural splendour of Kensington’s museums, and I’m a happy woman. In fact, if ever you need to find me, the members’ room at the V&A is probably a good place to start your search – come join me for a Negroni!
While I’m Londoner through and through, I also love recharging among the many shades of green in deepest Somerset, where my family are from. I need my country lung to fuel my city creativity, and will often escape the big smoke to explore new places, gather inspiration and collect memories.
I’d love to have a natter with you about your wedding plans, and the ways we can make your choices of ink and paper exquisitely meaningful. Get in touch to start the ball rolling– I can’t wait to hear from you.
Reading
My Sister the Serial Killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite
A darkly funny tale of sibling relationships in a patriarchal society, this inventive take on the serial-murderer thriller turns the tables on the woman-as-victim trope.
Listening
LA-based female art rock band, they play expansive, lushly-harmonic psych-rock songs. Personal favourites include “Billie Holiday” and their cover of Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes”.
Loving
Elegant, sophisticated Middle-Eastern-inspired small plates with fabulous cocktails and a small but excellent wine list. Perfect for an impromptu date night.