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Moveable Type Studio
Recommended for all ages
Experience the revival of letterpress printmaking
Housed in a custom 40′ shipping container, the Moveable Type Studio showcases authentic 19th century printing presses and typography archives. The fully mobile space is travelling Australia in 2025, with a residency at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in August and September.
Discover the history and relevance of letterpress printmaking in a digital world, as the Moveable Type Studio offers traditional printmaking, tailored community demonstrations, and workshops for all ages and skill levels. Prepare to embrace letterpress, graphic design, and bookmaking during this extended stay at the museum.
Moveable Type Studio has received support from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) which is a partnership between Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Things to see and do
Demonstrations
Visit the mobile printing studio for special demonstrations on the history of printing, the art of letterpress and its relevance to graphic design in a digital world. Gain an understanding of traditional printmaking basics that will change the way you look at books and printed material.
DEMONSTRATION TIMES:
Thursdays and Fridays: 12pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30am and 12pm
Cost: Free with General Admission
Bookings: Bookings not required
Ink & Drink - Letterpress Printing Workshop
Want to try your hand at traditional letterpress printing? Join us after hours at the museum for an Ink & Drink session, where you'll explore the magic of vintage type, laser engraved printing plates, and hand-carved relief printing blocks set against the backdrop of historic locomotives and working machinery.
Date: Saturday 6 September, 2025
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Cost: $79.00 per person, $71.10 Annual Pass holder
Bookings: Required, book online to secure your spot
Presented by Queensland Museum Rail Workshops as part of Galvanized: a Festival of Heritage.
Introduction to Letterpress Full Day Workshop
Step into the rich history of printmaking with our Introduction to Letterpress workshop – an immersive experience that blends tradition, creativity, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a curious beginner or a design enthusiast, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the timeless craft of letterpress printing in a setting steeped in industrial heritage.
Date: Saturday 30 August 2025
Time: 10am – 3pm
Cost: $180.00 per person, $162.00 Annual Pass holder
Bookings: Required, book online to secure your spot
Type Tasting Workshop
Discover the art of traditional letterpress printing in this social afternoon experience at the museum. Explore the beauty of vintage type, laser-engraved printing plates, and hand-carved relief blocks while surrounded by historic locomotives and working machinery. Guided by skilled facilitators, you’ll have the chance to create your own unique prints and connect with the stories behind this timeless craft.
Date: Sunday 31 August, 2025
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $79.00 per person, $71.10 Annual Pass Holder
Bookings: Required, book online to secure your spot
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Plan your visit
Plan your visit to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, located in Ipswich.
How to get here & parking
Located in Ipswich, Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is easily accessible by car or on public transport.
Accessibility
Accessibility and sensory information to help you plan your visit to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops.
What's on
View our calendar of exhibitions, events, activities and school programs.
Museum Tours
Join our Visitor Experience Officers for a guided journey through the Boiler Shop, the beating heart of Queensland Museum Rail Workshops.
The Sunshine Route
Explore this brand new exhibition celebrating 100 years of Queensland's North Coast Line.