Painting and printmaking
This is an outstanding hub for those interested in the specialist areas of painting and printmaking.
It is centred around the preparation for and production of painting and printmaking projects using appropriate equipment, techniques, and processes.
Many traditional art and design areas can be explored here covering painting, printmaking, papermaking, mono-printing, silkscreen, lithography, drawing, and emerging media. Learning is aided by our renowned technical and teaching staff who provide an accomplished understanding of painting and printmaking.
Painting workshop
The School has dedicated painting support equipment housed in the painting workshop, which is supported by an expert technical tutor.
Users of our painting facilities benefit from a wide variety of taught workshops and one-to-one tuition in the following processes: advice on and manufacture of suitable stretchers and supports; colour theory and mixing; preparation and application of a wide range of handmade paints, mediums, and primers including encaustic, beeswax paste, gesso, and rabbit skin glue; selection, manufacture and application of glazes and varnishes; and specialist advice on the presentation, framing, and mounting of artwork.
- Timber Mitre Trimmers for production of bespoke stretcher and framing bars
- Air-powered nail guns and staplers for the construction of stretchers and supports
- Equipment, pigments, and other raw materials for preparing a variety of paints, mediums, and primers
- Spacious construction workshop allowing for the manufacture of large stretchers and supports.
Printmaking studio
This area has some of the finest technical facilities in the country and enables students to produce prints to a professional standard.
There are many forms of printmaking available – some of the processes, techniques, and equipment available are listed below.
- Collograph
- Etching and engraving
- Screen-printing
- Lino and wood cut
- Stone lithography.
Papermaking and bookbinding facilities
The equipment for papermaking is in a wet room area and includes a large wiz mixer for hydration of fibers and an industrial beater to prepare the pulp.
Pressed paper can be produced to A2 size, and larger sizes can be poured. Paper can be recycled or prepared with cotton linters and plant fibers to a professional standard.
Once the paper is made and the print produced, we have the facilities required to stitch and bind the work into a book. All materials involved can be acquired from the workshop store.
