Tunnicliffe Etching Workshop Day

Explore the Tunnicliffe archive and try the skill for which he was renowned at this printing class in Macclesfield.


Hope Press
Hope Press
5.0 (58)

7 hours Class size 1 to 6 guests    

  £108 - £120 (Earlybird price of £108 applies if you book into a public session 90+ days ahead) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)
Work up a sketch

Work Up a Sketch

Prepare a drawing for transfer


Needle your drawing

Needle Your Drawing

Draw straight onto the etching plate with a selection of needles


Etch your plate

Etch Your Plate

Using our non-toxic acid-free setup


Strip

Strip

Clean the resist off revealing your design


Ink and Wipe

Ink and Wipe

Ink up your plate and wipe away to prepare for printing


Print

Print

Have a lovely time with our vintage press!


Peel and reveal!

Peel and Reveal

Voila!


Join this etching class in Macclesfield and discover the intricate world of printmaking through the lens of local legend, Charles Tunnicliffe. Best known for his prolific illustrations, Tunnicliffe mastered the complex art of etching during his time at the RCA, using copper plates to capture the rural vistas of the Cheshire hills. You'll spend the day drawing inspiration from his archived work to create your own beautiful, hard-ground etchings.
Your morning begins at the Silk Museum, where curator Kathryn Warburton will guide you through rarely seen prints and plates from the Tunnicliffe archive. With these treasures as your muse, you'll work alongside artist-printmaker Benmo to develop sketches based on the collection or your own personal photos and ideas. After a relaxing lunch break, the group moves to Hope Press to get hands-on with the technical process. Benmo will show you how to prepare a copper plate, apply a hard-resist, and transfer your drawing before etching the plate using a safe, non-toxic electro-etch technique.
There's no need to worry if you've never tried printmaking before. This workshop is designed to be low-pressure and supportive, using safer techniques throughout so you can focus on the joy of creating. You'll have plenty of guidance as you use a vintage etching press to bring your drawings to life on paper.
In this class you'll:
  • Explore rare prints and plates from the Tunnicliffe archive
  • Draw on Tunnicliffe's work to develop sketches of your own
  • Produce your own etched plate and print on high-quality paper
You'll leave the studio feeling inspired by Macclesfield's artistic heritage, taking home a small edition of three to four prints and your original copper etching plate. It’s a wonderful way to rekindle your creative spark and walk away with a professional-standard keepsake.
Please note: The day begins at the Silk Museum before moving to Hope Press after lunch. Transport between venues can be arranged if you aren't driving.

money_off
Save £12 per guest, when you book 90+ days before a session
What you'll get
A set of beautiful prints on high quality paper; a copper etched plate to keep
Knowledge required
Suitable for complete beginners and those with some drawing or printmaking experience.
What to bring
  • A packed lunch.
  • Clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Location

The Silk Museum and then Hope Press - The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield

We'll start the day at the Silk Museum in Macclesfield before heading up to Hope Press in Bollington after lunch. If you'd like a lift between venues please let us know and we'll try and coordinate!

Tunnicliffe Etching Workshop Day location
Your teacher

Hope Press
Hope Press

5.0 (58)

Believe it or not, print-making saved my life!
A few years ago, my life looked pretty normal: I was a Dad, a garden designer, and a keen walker. Suddenly everything changed. One day I simply couldn’t get off the sitting-room floor. I’d had a nasty bug and the next thing I knew: I was diagnosed with ME/CFS.
For a long time, things were pretty tough, but as the weeks passed, I began to discover painting and printmaking. And as the weeks turned to months I was making more and more art, and steadily feeling better.
Print-making was a refuge: a place to get better from. As I recovered my health I realised I wanted to share the magic of making things with other people; and the dream of Hope Press was born!
Everyone could do with more space in their life, more time for creativity, more peace and flow. I now run a variety of classes and workshops in printmaking – including a course for people with illnesses like mine – I hope you'll find something for you.
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