Valentines LetterLocking Workshop

A Brief Introduction to The Historical Art of LetterLocking:

Before the invention of envelopes (much less email encryption), correspondents required a method of sealing their letters that would keep the content away from the prying eyes of intermediaries until it could be delivered into the hands of the rightful reader. Various techniques were developed of turning a letter into its own ‘locked’ envelope via a series of folds, tucks, cuts, slits, wax seals, knotted thread, and visual deception. The method and complexity of each ‘lock’ determined its level of security, and the details of the design often contained indications of the letter’s origin, intentions, and importance. If these added layers of protection could not always prevent the letter from being opened, they did reliably reveal if a letter had been tampered with. The state of the lock upon arrival showed whether the letter had remained a private liaison, or if the information had become public and the letter-carrier, a liability. Letterlocking’s legacy of raising security to an art form makes it the perfect material practice for writers, rulers, and lovers who prefer to keep their words close to their heart.

Workshop Overview:

· Participants will learn 3 different ‘lock’ techniques. Each lock will take about 20 minutes to complete by following step-by-step instructions.

· Though no preparation is required to participate in the workshop, bringing 1-3 pre-written valentines letters is encouraged. Each note should be written on its own piece of letter size paper. Please write in the center of the paper, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges and 3 inches of blank space on the bottom. This ensures that none of the writing will be obscured during the locking process. For those preferring spontaneity, there will be time to write a brief note or doodle something on the blank paper provided before it is locked.

· This event takes place in the Zine Library, located on the top floor of the Tranzac. Please visit Tranzac's website for accessibility information. Masks are encouraged. This is a FREE or by-donation event; TZL is a volunteer-run collective and our community programming is made possible through the generous support of visitors.

If you can't make it, please return your ticket so someone else can RSVP.

Meet the Volunteer:

Leone has been a TZL volunteer since 2019. This is their third workshop focusing on bookbinding and letterlocking. Further evidence of their love of paper arts can be found here.

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Host or Publisher Toronto Zine Library