Detail of a freshly-printed letter H, using the Brico system on the People Powered Press.

Brico 1.0, with Anthony Burrill
2019

Giant Letterpress Prints by Oli Bentley, Anthony Burrill & Thomas Mayo

The People Powered Press, Saltaire

Amplifying voices using the largest printing press of its kind in the world

At 1.5m tall, and printed on the World Record-holding People Powered Press, this set of massive letterpress prints is the first output of a collaboration between Oli Bentley of Split; designer, visual artist and printmaker Anthony Burrill; and wood type maker, designer and printer Thomas Mayo.

Letterpress prints designed and printed by Oli Bentley, Anthony Burrill & Thomas Mayo, featuring each letter of the alphabet and made using the Brico system

The People Powered Press, Saltaire

Amplifying voices using the largest printing press of its kind in the world

Just one of each print/letter from A—Z was made available for sale. The prints are made using the Brico system, and signed by Anthony Burrill, Oli Bentley & Thomas Mayo. All proceeds went to support the community work of the People Powered Press.

The People Powered Press, Saltaire

Amplifying voices using the largest printing press of its kind in the world

The Brico system comprises just four shapes. With near endless possibilities of letter forms, weights, sizes and styles, it was created so that anyone might share in the joy of type design.

It is used to create large-scale works and murals with community groups, extending the mission of the People Powered Press to amplify voices and spread words worth spreading.

Two hands are visible, assembling the lower portion of a letter Q in the print-bed of the People Powered Press, using the wooden blocks of the Brico system

‘As soon as I heard about the People Powered Press I had to see it in person and meet the people behind it. It sounded like a crazy idea. Who in their right mind would embark on such a mind boggling enterprise?

When I met Oli it all made sense. I’m in awe of the People Powered Press. It’s an incredible feat of engineering and ambition, taking the process of letterpress and leading it into a new and exciting territory.’

Anthony Burrill

The People Powered Press, Saltaire

Amplifying voices using the largest printing press of its kind in the world

A limited edition, signed and numbered book has also been produced documenting the making of this first set of A—Z prints. It showcases the full A—Z series in beautiful detail, as well as providing insight into the creation of the system with words from Anthony Burrill.

The book is available from our shop, here.

Photograph of the Brico book, featuring letters designed by Oli Bentley, Anthony Burrill and Thomas Mayo