Since 1992: Letterpress Printing, Book Binding, Artists' Books, Fine Press Books, Fine Art Prints

Why the name 'Indulgence Press'? While studying at the Library Company of Philadelphia, Schilling was inspired by the work of Johann Gutenburg, the first printer to use movable type. The first printed works of Gutenberg were Indulgences (circa 1452). These letters were commissioned by the papist church and sold to absolve purchasers of doing penance for sins. Gutenburg used the proceeds from printing Indulgences to fund production of his iconic Bible.

'Indulgence' is also the perfect contemporary definition of the fine press or artist book. In this increasingly digital age, a beautifully handmade, inspiring, and tactile book is a rare beauty. For example, the Indulgence Press edition of Melville’s Bartleby the Scrivener features letterpress printing, typography, and illustration bringing the story to life. The binding represents aspects of the story. Hidden meaning is found in the frontispiece. Reading becomes an exciting experience.

So, like the book works of Indulgence Press, the word ‘indulgence' is packed with conceptual and historical meaning. 'Indulgence Press' is a great name for a small press specializing in the design and production of limited edition fine press and artists' books.

The fine art studio of Chip Schilling (aka Wilber H. Schilling) is home to Indulgence Press. The mission of Indulgence Press is to integrate form and content through the production of high quality art and craft while exploring and expanding on the history of the book.

In the studio, Schilling primarily prints on a hand-fed Vandercook SP20 cylinder letterpress. Other printing methods are used, as needed, to achieve the rich aesthetic quality found in his art work—For example, view the gum bichromate print series titled Decayed Volumes.

Schilling is the artist, designer, printer, illustrator, bookbinder, and publisher at Indulgence Press. He often collaborates with other artists and writers. He began his career as a photographer and photographic illustration plays a key role in his art work.

Portrait by Marc Norberg

Schilling earned a BA in history and photography from Clark University (Worchester, MA) and an MFA in printmaking and book arts from The University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA). He has taught letterpress printing, bookbinding, and photography throughout the United States. His books and art work have been exhibited internationally and can be found in over 100 collections including the New York Public Library, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Getty Center, the British Library, the Whitney, and the Library of Congress. Schilling was a finalist in 2008 and 2009 and is the 2010 Minnesota Book Artist of the Year.