Etching Fundamentals

About

We are very proud of our historic Print Room, which has been central to practice at the Art School since the late 19th century and is quite a unique find these days. It gives students access to the Intaglio process in its historical context and offers the same experiences, in terms of techniques, problems and solutions, as faced by the Old Masters Rembrandt, Goya and Picasso.

On our short course, you’ll learn how to make prints through the process of Intaglio Etching, a rare opportunity for students at this level. We’ll cover hard and soft ground, sugarlift aquatint, colour etching, as well as printing with collage and multiple plate printing. We’ll also examine the historical background of printmaking and how it has been used by artists from its origins to present day.

The traditional Intaglio process involves various methods of ‘cutting’ an image into the surface of a metal plate, using waxy acid resists and then etching. Once the plate is inked, the incised lines hold the ink whilst the rest of the plate is wiped clean. The plate, in contact with damp paper, is passed through a roller press under pressure. The paper is forced into the sunken areas to receive the ink.

By the end of the course you’ll have a confident understanding of the etching process, and you’re own prints to take home.

Led by expert tutor and artist Laura Clarke.

Suitable for beginners.

More information and book your place