The Gilded Press:

Crafting Unforgettable Hot Foil Printing & Letterpress

Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, The Gilded Press is dedicated to creating exceptional hot foil printing and letterpress items that are truly worth keeping.

We believe words carry weight, and a brand should leave a lasting physical mark.

The Gilded Press Logo - GG

A Legacy of British Letterpress Printing

I still use the same type that built Britain’s printing trade: Gill Sans, Caslon, Plantin.

These aren't just digital styles; they are physical tools made of lead and brass.
While digital type can imitate, it cannot replicate the deep impression these tools make on paper under pressure.

This is the essence of true letterpress printing.

Beyond the Surface: The Deep Impression

Most hot foil is 'kiss-printed'—a digital layer resting on the surface, or a sticker cut to mimic foil blocking.
This often feels flat and temporary.

I take a different approach.

Everything I strike is designed to last. I don't just 'print' your mark; I drive it into the material so deep you can trace it with your finger.

This deep impression ensures a lasting, tactile result.

The Art of Hot Foil Stamping

Hot foil stamping is a deliberate language of choice, combining metal, heat, and pressure.
Each decision shapes the outcome, a direct conversation between the heavy iron and the hand that guides it.

To me, foil and board are more than materials; they are the final proof of a maker's calibre.
If your work is worth selling, the handover is worth pressing.

Our pieces are truly pressed and kept.

About the Printer: Simon’s Journey

 I'm Simon. My 38 years in the printing industry began without screens.

It started with a scalpel blade, traditional cut-and-paste boards, Letraset, and darkroom chemistry.
I learned on a single-colour Rotaprint before moving to the Heidelberg GTO 52, understanding page architecture with a pica ruler rather than a mouse.

I've seen the trade become infinitely faster and almost entirely automated.
Paper now feeds into presses without human touch, and in this race for speed, the craft has been lost.
I never enjoyed the high-speed factory mindset.

So, The Gilded Press was born in Eastbourne as a private press, dedicated entirely to the craft of the "Deep Impression."

Today, I combine my roots in analogue layout and vector precision with real, hands-on press experience.

I commission flawless, solid metal dies and hand-feed every single board myself, creating tactile craters that high-speed machines cannot replicate.

I'm not interested in the high-speed race; I'm interested in the one-off, the short run, and the mark that stays struck.

Signature Services

Everything I strike is designed to last. I don't just 'print' your mark; I drive it into the material.
So deep you can trace it with your finger, ensuring your luxury gift boxes leave a lasting impression.

  • Bespoke Presentation Boxes

    Elevate your brand with custom-crafted presentation boxes.
    Each luxury gift box is meticulously designed and pressed to create a deep, tactile impression that secures your product and enhances the unboxing experience.

    We ensure your packaging is as memorable as its contents.

  • 1200gsm Business Cards

    Make an unforgettable first impression with our ultra-heavy 1200gsm luxury business cards.
    Each card is deeply pressed, not just printed, giving a tangible weight and texture that speaks volumes about your brand's commitment to quality.

    These are more than cards; they're a statement of enduring craftsmanship.

  • Wedding Invitations

    For your special day, our bespoke wedding invitations offer timeless elegance and a unique tactile experience.
    We create deeply pressed designs that guests can feel, delivering a sophisticated introduction to your celebration.

    Choose The Gilded Press for wedding invitations that truly convey class and bespoke artistry.

Workshop notes

The Tactile Crater: Why Luxury Gift Boxes and Luxury Presentation Boxes Should Be Felt, Not Just Seen

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In a digital world, everything is flat. You spend hours at the bench crafting a bespoke ring.You spend days refining a print or a gallery to get the light right.Your work has weight, intent, and permanence. Hand that work over in a flimsy, mass-produced box, and you quietly undermine it at the moment of delivery....Continue reading→