What I do

Hi! I'm Alan Qualtrough, founder of the Kiss & Bite Press, a printmaker, graphic designer and typographer offering a range of photopolymer photogravure and letterpress art workshops, from beginner to expert.

I’ve trained with internationally renowned typographers Erik Spiekermann and Alan Kitching; and for photogravure with Martyn Grimmer of Spike Island, and others. I have a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and an MA in Visual Communications from Arts University Plymouth, which has my work in its collection.

My previous career in journalism often informs my work; I was a reporter and news editor for national newspapers, and Editor-in-Chief of the Western Morning News and Plymouth Herald. I began my career as a typesetter at the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo — so I’ve returned to my roots with an art practice concerned with media, language, publishing, truth and the role of the press in society.

Photopolymer Photogravure fascinates me because it requires the merging of digital and analogue technologies. I also run linocut and Tetra Pak printing workshops as well as letterpress poster sessions on a beautiful vintage Albion press.