Printmaking
Photo etching workshop
A beginner workshop in transferring imagery to zinc plates, acid etching, inking and printing through an etching press, with colour and collage techniques.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
Participants develop hand-drawn, photocopied or photographic imagery for transfer to a photo-etching plate, including digital adjustments where needed. The imagery is etched into zinc using nitric acid, then the resulting plates are inked and printed on paper through an etching press. Teaching combines demonstrations, examples, individual and group guidance, and informal reviews of work in progress. The course also introduces colour intaglio inking, relief inking and Chine collé to extend printed work.
What you'll learn
- Prepare source imagery and transparencies for transfer to a photo-etching plate
- Transfer imagery onto zinc and etch it using acid
- Prepare paper for intaglio printing
- Apply single-colour and multi-colour ink to etched plates
- Operate an etching press safely to produce a set of prints
- Use relief inking and Chine collé to develop printed work
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for beginners, including learners who have not previously tried etching, as well as those with traditional etching experience who want to explore photographic processes. Participants should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, understand health and safety information, take part in group discussion, and carry out simple measurements and calculations.
- Suitable for developing imagery from sketches, photographs or other visual sources
- Teaching includes both individual guidance and group review of work in progress
Before you go
- Bring source imagery such as sketches, postcards, magazine cuttings or photographs to the first session.
- Basic materials are provided.
- The course suggests completing preparation tasks between sessions.