All types welcome

Cecilia and Justin Knopp established Typoretum, a letterpress, design and printing studio in the English town of Colchester, in 2008. The husband-and-wife duo wanted to create a space in which the art of letterpress could flourish.

Justin Knopp developed an interest in letterpress during his graphic design studies at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Following graduation, he started a collection of antique wood and metal type, along with vintage printing machines and other equipment.

This treasure trove was the start of Typoretum, where the Knopps have since worked with a variety of clients. Cecilia Knopp, who has a vibrant career in quality management, guides customers through the pre-production process. Typoretum’s way of working is wholly collaborative, with the team taking great pride in their work.

The studio offers various specialist luxury finishes for all types of paper goods. In 2019, the studio worked with British artist Nina Mae Fowler to create a private view invitation for her solo exhibition ‘Luminary’ at the National Portrait Gallery in London, printing foil on Sirio Ultra Black 760g/m². They were also commissioned by Studio A-Ya to create a contact card for London-based Italian restaurant Belvedere Holland Park, combining letterpress and hot foil stamping on Materica Terra Rossa paper. The duo also collaborated with illustrator Mr. Bingo, creating an ‘All The Books’ bookmark, bringing his illustration to life with a striking green foil on Sirio Foglia paper to distribute at his events.

Typoretum also offers short courses and internship opportunities to keep letterpress alive for a new generation of printers and designers.