What is it?
The Print Workshop at Gainsborough's House is an open-access
studio available to anyone interested in printmaking. The Workshop was established in 1978 in premises opening
onto the charming garden at Gainsborough's House.
A small staff maintains the Workshop and develops its facilities. A membership
scheme is open to all - complete beginners and established printmakers. A voluntary committee organises members'
exhibitions, visits and fundraising events.
Facilities
The Workshop is exceptionally well laid out, the result of major refurbishment in
1997. The presses are on the ground floor together with custom built sinks, a fume extract cabinet, darkroom and
screen-wash. Double doors open into the garden. Screen printing takes place on the first floor where there is
further bench-space for drawing on plates.
Presses and other equipment
- Albion press (block printing)
17 by 22 inches.
- Britannia press (block printing)
21 by 28 inches.
- Littlejohn etching press
28 by 48 inches.
- Takach direct lithography press (for stones or plates)
32 by 58 inches.
- EMUS vacuum table to take screens up to 36 by 48 inches.
- UV exposure unit to take screens up to 36 by 36 inches.
- Screen wash unit with back-lit panel and pressure cleaner.
- De Vere 54 Jualite black and white photographic enlarger.
How can I use it?
Anyone may use the facilities upon payment of an annual subscription. Help and
advice is available from the technician, while experienced printmakers are free to work on their own. There is a
session fee which covers processing chemicals and other consumables. Paper and printing plates may be purchased
at very reasonable prices.
The workshop may be used during the hours
Gainsborough's House is open to visitors and at other times by prior arrangement.
Contact Gainsborough's House for current
subscription rates and an application form.
