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Making photopolymer plates is a magical process that can be used to print incredibly varied marks. Delicate tones are held in photographic images designed to print with the intaglio method (ink is held in the grooves of the plate), and bolder shapes can be achieved with the option of slightly thicker plates exposed for relief printing (ink sits on the top surface of the plate).

A layer of light sensitive polymer is used on a steel plate backing. Once exposed to strong light, the polymer changes chemically and hardens. Areas protected from the light stay soft and can be washed away. The process is environmentally friendly and when the sun is used as the light source, it is often described as ‘solar plate’.

Workshop includes:

On this one day course led by Xtina Lamb, you can make an etching plate or a relief plate from your own photograph or design, and print it using a lovely vintage press. There is instruction on preparing artwork transparencies for the best results, making test strips, exposing and washing out the plates, inking up and wiping your plate, and working with different papers.

In the morning we focus on plate making, with discussion on the types of image achievable, creation of hand drawn and painted positives or plus digital manipulation of photographs or drawings brought along. You’ll make a test strip to get the exposure timing just right for your artwork.

After exposing, washing out and hardening your plate under UV lights, you’ll push ink into the etched areas and wipe off your intaglio plate in preparation for printing. We’ll take a look at differences in papers and how they are prepared by soaking, and learn how to use the etching press safely to make prints. If you chose to make a relief plate, you’ll learn how to hand burnish, and use the book press and etching press to make prints from the raised surface of the plates.

All materials are provided and no previous experience is necessary. People who have taken this course can return to use our print studio during open access sessions.

Hot drinks will be provided throughout the day, and a break for lunch – there are cafes and shops nearby or bring along a packed lunch.

Booking

To book a course, please:

• pay online with cards / Paypal (click on a date at the top of this page)
• or pay by cash or cards in person at Intra Arts
• or request an invoice for payment by bank transfer

Apologies – we are unable to take card payments over the phone.
If you have any questions about the course or payment, please call or send us an email.

Artwork and what to bring

On booking you will be sent details of things it would be useful for you to bring. If you don’t have your own design to work with, you can pick something from the studio’s design library with hundreds of illustrated and vintage books to give you inspiration. You may want to hand-draw marks onto a transparency on the day, or choose a photograph or scanned image. These can be brought along, or you can choose something to work with from our library. We will supply everything you need for the day’s class, but you may prefer to bring your own apron.

Cancellations

Please give us as much notice as possible if you are not able to come to a course that you have booked. If you cancel with seven or more days notice, we will reschedule or refund your booking. For cancellations less than seven days before the workshop date – we may be able to offer you a discount on a future booking if we can fill your place, but please note that we have to cover space, preparation and tutor costs and if you cancel at the last minute we still have to pay for these.