Photo lithography workshop

About this course

The workshop introduces photo-plate lithography as a way to combine hand-drawn and photographic imagery. Participants will prepare and manipulate images in Photoshop, expose and develop lithographic plates, then ink and print them on paper and other surfaces. Demonstrations cover equipment use, multi-plate registration, overprinting, alternative substrates and paper stencils. Teaching combines demonstrations with paired practical development, group discussion and individual guidance. Participants will also consider the characteristic qualities of the process and how its material properties can support different image-making purposes.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and manipulate hand-drawn and photographic images in Photoshop for printing
• Expose and develop a photo litho plate
• Ink a plate and produce prints on paper and other surfaces
• Apply basic principles of multi-plate registration and overprinting
• Operate the Rochat and Littlejohn presses with awareness of health and safety
• Explore overprinting, alternative substrates and paper stencils

Is this course right for you?

The course welcomes complete beginners as well as more experienced printmakers exploring photo lithography. Participants should be able to follow verbal instructions and demonstrations. Basic Photoshop skills and knowledge of digital photography are described as beneficial rather than required.

• Suitable for learners at all levels
• Includes paired work, group discussion and one-to-one guidance
• Small preparation tasks before the second day are desirable

Before you go

• Basic materials and printing paper are provided.
• Participants are recommended to bring visual source material such as photographs, postcards, sketchbooks or drawings, along with digital images on a USB.
• Pencils, notepads, black permanent markers, an apron, brushes and rubber gloves are recommended.
• Participants wishing to print on additional materials such as fabric or mirrored paper are expected to bring those materials.