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Centre for Fine Print Research:
Introduction

Research at the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) is based on the production of the physical artefact, primarily predicated in print. All aspects of technology that relate to the core philosophy of making are central to this ethos.

This places the CFPR in an unusual position of understanding digital and new media technologies but always relating them to physical output and creativity. The CFPR has maintained and enhanced the quality of its work and built a world-wide reputation for research excellence. Our focus is on the close relationship that exists between technology, ideas and craft skills as understood in a visual environment. 
 
To quote the editor in chief of ‘wired’ magazine in an editorial article from 2010:

‘Here’s the history of two decades in one sentence. If the past ten years have been about discovering post-institutional models on the web, then the next ten years will be about applying them to the real world’

Although our research is primarily initiated from a visual perspective, it is inexorably linked to industrial development and new technologies. We have one of the most comprehensive sets of 2D and 3D printing, cutting, machining and fabrication hardware in the country.

By adapting to changing demand in the marketplace and the requirements of the user, we are able to conduct research that has direct application to industry, creative design, science and art.

The Centre’s long term vision is to capitalise on the strengths that have been built over the last 10 years: to work in new and innovative ways towards novel surface print, design and fabrication in 2 and 3 dimensions. Combining a multi-technology approach - using novel materials and processes to push forward new ideas and innovation. The key research themes are 3D rapid prototyping and colour - supported by artists books, wide format printing, laser cutting and collaboration with artists.

 

CFPR for you

Industry

The Centre for Fine Print Research has an outstanding track record in working with industry.  Our collaborative projects include Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP's) funded by the Technology Strategy Board, undertaking contract research to solve tricky problems for industry, consultancy projects and supporting start-up business. Current KTP projects include Renishaw and Dycem.
We are currently working with:
Johnson Matthey, a speciality chemicals company focused on catalysts, precious metals, fine chemicals and process technology; Denby Pottery, with whom we aim to prove the commercial viability of 3D printed ceramics as a design tool for tableware; and Viridis 3D who create additive manufacturing technologies for making 3D ceramic moulds, cores for investment casting, foundry applications and ceramic parts.
The research team have patented novel ceramic materials which are in the process of commercial exploitation. Find out more.

Academia

The Centre for Fine Print Research has many links and partnerships with World leading academic institutions delivering successful research projects and dissemination of research outcomes.

Artists, Printmakers and Studios

The Centre for Fine Print Research works collaboratively with high profile artists, studios, contemporary makers and galleries.

Current CPD Courses -

"The CFPR's new portfolio of professional development courses is designed to deliver cutting-edge professional development with a practical focus."

Feedback from our recent Letterpress course:

“Tutor was excellent, extremely well informed and enthusiastic. The best aspect of the course was the small group so we were allowed a lot of time on the press and room to work”

“Excellent, helpful, patient, clear, supportive, friendly – great tutors and brilliant facilities. Really good course – I have worked hard every day, learned lots and have some satisfactory pieces of work at the end”

“Excellent support from a tutor who had a great knowledge of the subject. This allowed me to produce a large volume of high quality prints”

“I found the tutor to, not only be knowledgeable in the field of letterpress, but friendly and supportive. Being able to put into practice what we’d been taught was particularly good. Producing the photopolymer plates was one of the highlights.”