Photopolymer Printmaking Workshop

Discover the Magic of Printmaking, Where Light Makes the Art in Edinburgh!



2 hours Location Edinburgh Class size 1 to 8 guests   £39
Edinburgh Activities
•
Craft
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Print Making Experience Gifts
A photograph, a drawing or even a collection of simple shapes can become something quite different when transformed into a print. Photopolymer printmaking offers a fascinating way to explore this transformation, using light-sensitive materials to capture an image and turn it into a printing plate. If you've ever wondered how detailed images find their way onto paper through traditional printmaking, this workshop is a chance to see the process up close and try a distinctive artistic technique for yourself.
Unlike woodcut or lino printing, where designs are created by cutting directly into a block, photopolymer printmaking uses light to transfer an image onto a specially prepared plate. The process begins with an image prepared on a transparent film, often known as a film positive. This is placed against the light-sensitive plate and exposed to UV light. The areas exposed to light react and harden, while the protected areas remain available to be washed away during processing. Once developed, the plate carries the image and can be used to produce prints.
One of the most interesting aspects of this technique is the relationship between photography and printmaking. A photograph doesn't have to remain on a screen or in a photo album; it can become the starting point for an entirely different form of artwork. The same process can also work with drawings, illustrations and digitally created designs, opening up plenty of possibilities for image-making. Fine lines, contrasting tones and small details all contribute to the character of the final print, so even an ordinary image can take on a new visual quality when translated onto a plate.
The printing stage brings another layer of creativity to the experience. Once the plate has been prepared, ink is applied and the image is transferred onto paper using a printing press or the method used in the workshop. You'll be able to discover how the ink interacts with the plate, how pressure helps transfer the image and how subtle differences can affect the finished result. The process is particularly rewarding because the final print is not simply a copy of the original image: it has the texture, depth and distinctive qualities of a handmade print.
There is also plenty to appreciate in the small surprises that come with printmaking. A slight variation in ink, pressure or paper can give each impression its own character. You might find that a photograph looks more atmospheric in print, or that a simple illustration gains a completely different feel once transferred onto a plate. These unexpected results are part of what makes the technique so engaging.
Whether you're interested in photography, illustration, graphic design or simply enjoy discovering new ways to make art, photopolymer printmaking offers a fresh perspective on image-making. Step away from the familiar process of drawing or taking photographs and explore what happens when light, ink and paper come together. You'll leave with a better understanding of this distinctive printmaking technique and a new appreciation for the possibilities of turning images into prints.

Upcoming dates for Photopolymer Printmaking Workshop

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 11 Nov 2026, 1:09am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

39 upcoming dates between 16 Nov 2026 and 27 Feb 2027.

  • Mon 16 Nov 2026, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 20 Nov 2026, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 21 Nov 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 23 Nov 2026, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 27 Nov 2026, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 28 Nov 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 30 Nov 2026, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 4 Dec 2026, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 5 Dec 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 7 Dec 2026, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 11 Dec 2026, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 12 Dec 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 14 Dec 2026, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 18 Dec 2026, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 19 Dec 2026, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 21 Dec 2026, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 8 Jan 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 9 Jan 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 11 Jan 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 15 Jan 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 16 Jan 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 18 Jan 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 22 Jan 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 23 Jan 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 25 Jan 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 29 Jan 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 30 Jan 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 1 Feb 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 5 Feb 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 6 Feb 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 8 Feb 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 12 Feb 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 13 Feb 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 15 Feb 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 19 Feb 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 20 Feb 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
  • Mon 22 Feb 2027, 4pm-6pm
  • Fri 26 Feb 2027, 3:30pm-5:30pm
  • Sat 27 Feb 2027, 12:30pm-2:30pm
What you'll get
  • An introduction to photopolymer printmaking and the role of light-sensitive plates in the printing process.
  • The opportunity to explore how photographs, drawings or digital images can be transformed into printable designs.
  • Hands-on experience with the printmaking process and your own original printed artwork.
Knowledge required
N/A
What to bring
N/A
Location

Ash Lab Art Studio, Corstorphine Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh

Photopolymer Printmaking Workshop location
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Ash lab art studio
Ash lab art studio

5.0 (1)
female Women-owned

Ash Lab is a creative studio in Edinburgh where art becomes part of everyday life.
We bring together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creative practice, transforming heritage techniques into hands-on, playful experiences. We believe making art should be inspiring, approachable, and joyful.
At Ash Lab, we learn, make, experiment, and create together—sharing ideas, celebrating the creative process, and building a community where everyone feels welcome.
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class 0 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production edinburgh Edinburgh Scotland GB edinburgh