About

Learn the basics of etching, one of the oldest & most unique printmaking processes, at the historical Bluecoat Print Studios.

Course Location: Bluecoat Intaglio Print Studio

Experience Level: Beginners & people needing a refresher into the process

Duration: The course runs for one day (11:00am - 5:00) with a break for lunch

During this one day course you will learn the basics of copper sulphate etching, including learning about the history, tools & materials of etching and the chemical processes involved in creating a copper sulphate etched plate, as well as inking and printing your design on our fabulous century old Hughes & Kimber Etching Press.

On this course for beginners you will be guided through every step of the etching process from start to finish, leaving with having created a finished edition of prints. All materials are provided on the day as well as a booklet to take away detailing the processes learnt.

What’s Included?

All materials you will use are included in the cost of the course, but you are welcome to bring along your own if you choose. Our studios are environmentally friendly where possible and use greener methods of screen printing, such as water-based acrylic inks. Completing this course will act as an Induction to book into our Screen Printing Studio should you wish to.

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?

If you would like to prepare an image to bring with you to help create your etching plate you can bring a printed/drawn image on regular paper. You’ll be able to trace your image onto the etching plate using carbon paper.

Remember: your image will print backs to what’s on the plate, so take this into account if using text & numbers.

Course Structure

• 11am – 11:15pm: Introduction to the day, the process and each other
• 11:15am – 11:45pm: Learn about the history of copper sulphate etching, including the tools, materials and chemicals used.
• 11:45 -12:30: How to prep your etching plates and apply ground
• 12:30pm – 1pm: Lunch break
• 1pm – 2pm: Draw images onto plate
• 2pm – 3pm: How to etch your plates using copper sulphate
• 3pm – 3:30: cleaning and prepping your plate for inking
• 3:30 – 4:00pm: How to ink your plate and prep press and paper for printing.
• 4:00pm – 5pm: Learn about using an etching press and print your designs!

What happens after the course?

After you’ve completed your course, you are free to book into our open access printmaking studios. Your course acts as an induction but if you feel like you would benefit from more info about our studios before booking a session we offer free health & safety inductions, just email: ivy.m@thebluecoat.org.uk

We also offer a Bluecoat Artist Memberships scheme, which has lots of amazing perks for practicing and aspiring local printmakers. You can find out more information here: https://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/artist-membership

Got any questions?

If you have any questions about the course or our studios, please email: Ivy.m@thebluecoat.org.uk

You can also find out more information here: https://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/our-community/spaces/print-studio

Accessibility:

• The Bluecoat cafe and building floors are fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. 
• The print studios are not adapted for wheelchair users. If you would like to do a print workshop with us but are unsure about accessibility, please contact the Print Studio manager at: ivy.m@thebluecoat.org.uk

Getting here:

Bluecoat is located in Liverpool city centre and is easily accessible using public transport.

• The closest bus stop is Tesco Hanover Street
• The closest railway station is Liverpool Central Station

(Attendees must be 18+)

Location

Get directions

Bluecoat Print Studios
The Bluecoat, 8 School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX

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