Copper Monday

New life for an old printing tradition

On Jan. 9, 2023, Graphic Matters and NPN Drukkers are reviving an old tradition with the presentation of a Copper Monday print. This time, however, it is an old master who will inspire the younger generation.

Three special works by Henk Cornelissen will be reproduced one-on-one and will be available in limited editions to designers and studios who apply.

The Copper Monday print

Copper Monday had been a holiday for printers since the 15th century. On the first Monday after Three Kings (Jan. 6), apprentice printers presented a special print to master printers as a test of skill. In the 19th century, Copper Monday prints were sent as gifts to business associates. With the sending of Christmas and New Year cards, the ritual was lost during the 20th century.

The Copper Monday print 2023

With publication of this Copper Monday print, Graphic Matters and NPN Drukkers celebrate the upcoming revaluation of print as a tactile counterpart to the many digital design applications. In addition to a fascinating artistic study, the print is the epitome of extraordinary technical capabilities with which printmakers demonstrate that their knowledge and craft is still evolving today.

Curious about Henk's body of work? The special print is available in a limited edition for designers and studios who apply.

Handmade work by designer Henk Cornelissen

The Copper Monday print is based on the handmade work of now 82-year-old designer Henk Cornelissen. He worked in the 1960s for major design studios in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, such as Unimark International and Saul Bass. In addition to his work as a designer, he taught for more than 30 years at Kunstacademie St. Joost in Breda. After designing the first Christmas stamp for the PTT in 1987, Henk decided to make only free work. This free work focuses on patterns and structures. "Not in self-repeating structures, but in structures in which chance breaks the regular pattern."