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May 16, 2025 2 min read

In a hidden nook of the gorgeous Suffolk (UK) countryside, Edwin Mitchell-Finch designs and handprints a wonderful collection of letterpress greeting cards. After a distinguished career in graphic design (including a long stint at the BBC), he set up Mitchell-Finch Design with his talented wife, Jane. Jane has her own design and craft activity, see her amazing creations here (UK shipping only). Both of them are incredibly talented, but also some of the nicest people you could possibly meet.

Charles and Nomad_ist with Edwin and Jane Mitchell-Finch in Edwin's studio.

We’d been following Edwin’s account on Instagram for a while, when we realised that his studio was located only 10 minutes from our family cottage in Suffolk. We immediately registered for a one day letterpress workshop (we’d just bought our first printing press and were still learning the basics) planned to take place during our next stay in the area.

 

 

He took us through the full process, from designing the card using vintage type and a cut (printing block, a book illustration), setting up and inking the press, printing (in two goes, one per colour). There’s something incredibly satisfying and meditative about printing, although it involves a lot of preparation work and precision.

Edwin’s studio was purpose built for the Mitchell-Finch Design project, it is truly an amazing place, a treasure-trove of vintage printing equipment and type and decorated with antique objects and an impressive selection of his handprinted posters.

Mitchell-Finch cards are meticulously printed on vintage typographical printing presses, one colour at a time, often using wooden characters that are over 100 years old. Edwin's signature style combines bright colours, typography, vintage illustrations and a typically British sense of humour.

 

In these digital times, we often forget how impactful traditional greeting cards can be. Cards like these are guaranteed to bring a smile to one’s face and to have a much more emotional effect than a simple email. 

As much as we love technology for the way in which it can make life easier, we deplore the fact that it also creates distances and alienation between individuals. A personal handprinted card to thank someone or tell them you love them will go straight to their heart rather than just the intellect.

Letterpress cards are special for many reasons. Letterpress or typographical printing is a 15th century technology that somehow managed to remain the gold standard until the middle of the 20th century, which means a 600 year traditional heritage.

This kind of printing involves using one’s hands (rather than a computer) in a complex and precise process. Materials (paper for example) are important, colours usually have to be printed individually (a 3 colour card has to be printed 3 times) and the end result has more depth and texture than digitally printed cards. A letterpress card will always look and feel nicer than a regular modern one.

You will find the Mitchell-Finch Design range here, search for the term “letterpress” to see similar items in our store.