Nine ways to try printmaking around Plymouth
Printmaking is one of the most diverse art forms around, offering everything from simple techniques you can practice at home to meticulous skilled work requiring specialist equipment. And Plymouth has loads of it! The Print In Action programme is well underway at Ocean Studios, and the city boasts a host of its own printmaking artists. There are also an array of facilities such as the magnificent Printery, a newly opened print supply shop at Alma Yard, and the print studios at Arts University Plymouth and Plymouth University.
But what is printmaking, and how can you have a go? Our reporter Tricia Stubberfield lists nine opportunities coming up in Plymouth this autumn for anyone to try out this much-loved, expressive medium.
Photopolymer Printmaking Day Course
14 September or 30 November, 11am to 3.30pm. Adults.
The Printery, 34 Mutley Plain, PL4 6LD
Transfer a photographic image to a light-sensitised plate that is developed in water, and then print it using The Printery’s beautiful old etching press.
£75 includes all materials and refreshments | Book here
Live Making with Sue Lewry
17 September, 12pm to 3pm. Adults and children.
Ocean Studios, The Factory Cooperage Royal William, PL1 3RP
Join Sue on her creative journey in the Ocean Studios printmaking workshop for a 'Live Making Insights' session. Sue will share and give you insight into her process and production while she creates prints for an upcoming exhibition at Ocean Studios. Part of Print in Action.
FREE | No booking required
Truth Wall - Print Your Action!
18 September and further dates TBC, 10am to 3pm. Adults and children 7+.
Ocean Studios, The Factory Cooperage Royal William, PL1 3RP
Using a range of letterpress, screen printing and mono printing techniques, Ocean Studios invite you to come and take part in their Truth Wall workshops, making visual what you feel is important to speak up about in the world. Your prints will be pasted on the hoardings at Ocean Studios as a public message to the world, and accumulate over the course of Print in Action.
£8 | More details to follow here
Colossal + Vacancy Atlas
20 to 24 September. Neurodiverse young people and adults.
Vacancy Atlas, 107 Cornwall Street PL1 1PA
Sue Lewry’s High Street Heritage-funded mobile screenprinting project, Colossal, invites participants to work alongside her to create experimental print artworks, culminating in an exhibition.
FREE | Advance arrangement essential by 20th September, email hello@suelewry
Mezzotint for Beginners
1 October, 10am to 3pm. Adults.
Ikigai Printmaking Supplies, 49 Candlewick Lane, Alma Yard PL4 0FF
Working with pre-prepared copper and high-contrast source material, you will have the opportunity to burnish and work the copper to reveal an illusion of depth through tonal contrast. This burnish from dark to light can yield high quality rich velvety prints.
£35 | Book here
Print Sundays in the Rame Peninsula
2 and 30 October, 27 November, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Adults and teenagers.
Awenek Studios, Maker Heights, Cornwall PL10 1LA
Introductory sessions to printmaking techniques including linocut, monoprint and drypoint, using inexpensive materials and a converted craft press. Led by Tricia from The Good Egg studio.
£20 | Book here
Print in Action Festival
21 October (launch). 22 October, 10am to late. 23 October, 10am to 5pm. Adults and children.
Ocean Studios, The Factory Cooperage Royal William, PL1 3RP plus Print in Action hubs across the city
The Print in Action six-month initiative culminates in this festival. It highlights the spirit of collaboration, showcasing artists' work through exhibitions, an affordable print fair, demos, talks, taster sessions, masterclasses, plus music and delicious food.
Day tickets £10 (Specialist Masterclasses sold separately) | Book here
Half term activities at The Box with Flock South West
26, 27, 28, 29 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Adults and children.
The Box, Tavistock Place, PL4 8AX
As part of a series of artist-led drop-in activities inspired by the British Art Show 9, Liskeard-based artist Nicky Harwood will be leading workshops in monoprinting, linked to ‘home’ and precious domestic objects found within it. More information will be available on The Box website closer to the time.
FREE | No booking required
Beginners 5 Week Screen Printing
Dates TBC, 11am to 2pm or 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Adults.
The Printery, 34 Mutley Plain, PL4 6LD
Learn all the basics, from making stencils to using photographic images, and then take home a collection of your own handmade prints.
£140 includes basic materials and refreshments | Book here