Wood engraving is a captivating medium. Its very fine detail comes from using the end grain (bole/trunk) of the wood - traditionally boxwood. Because of this, you can work carefully and meditatively and get a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.
This course is for students with some experience, but it can accommodate beginners because everyone works at their own pace. You will be provided with a small practice block on which to develop the use of the different tools and create different effects. The course also provides you with a 5 x 4 lemonwood block on which to create a design or idea. Ideally, you should come prepared with a drawing to fit this size, to work either vertically or horizontally on the block. If you have previous experience, this will give you the opportunity to develop an idea further, or you can bring along an existing project to complete a print. You will practise transferring your design/drawing to the larger block, also, sharpening tools, making proofs either by hand burnishing or by using the Albion press and further adjusting your ideas to a resolved and finished piece of work. Ultimately, you should be able to print up a small edition of your design. Extra papers and materials are available to purchase from the shop.
Included
The College will provide:
A 5 x 4 inch lemonwood end grain block and a small practice block
Oil-based printing ink
Black Quink ink
French chalk
White spirit
Masking tape
Trace down transfer paper
Newsprint
A sheet of printing paper
Tools will be provided for your use during the course.
What students need to bring
- bring along a design ready to transfer onto the block.
- bring along Any tools of your own If you have them, and glasses If you wear them.
Available to buy
Available from shop:
A good variety of art and craft materials, including paper suitable for printing, masking tape, black Quink ink, printing ink, trace down paper, etc.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options