Collagraph printmaking is a technique using different mediums and materials to build up a collage onto a ‘plate’ made from cardboard. Using glues, household filler, carborundum and various textured papers, pressed plants and flowers etc., to make your image.

You will start by making a sample plate and print which allows you to understand and learn how this intaglio process works and what tones of light and dark and textures you can expect from the various mediums, getting to grips with this process and learning the basics. You’ll be shown how to make your own ‘wet pack’ of paper ready for printing later in the day.

During the day you will add useful skills as you progress, and your tutor will demonstrate additional possibilities. You will begin to move forward with your projects to develop several plates and be shown how to ink up to obtain successful prints. You will be using the printing press and good quality dampened printing paper which allows for good contact with all the intricacies of your plate. You will have the chance to add colour with ‘Chine collé’, which is a method to add fragments of thin coloured or patterned papers onto your design.

There will be mini demonstrations throughout the day to ‘drip feed’ different techniques as you are working, finishing with a group discussion with a question-and-answer session.

You will take home many prints along with the skills and confidence to continue making work at home. Teaching will be given in the form of practical demonstrations of techniques, one-to-one tuition and instruction on use of equipment.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials including black ink, quality 300gsm printing paper, tracing paper, blotting paper, tissue paper, newsprint, 4 x A4 paper dry-point plates and scrim per student. Washing up liquid, rags, acrylic texture paste, rolls of tape, carborundum powder, waterproof PVA, grout and Shellac to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

You are encouraged to bring visual source material, ideas and pressed plant/flowers you may want to incorporate into your designs if you wish. An apron and rubber gloves (or gardening gloves with rubber fingers which your tutor finds easier to take on and off). Any scraps of coloured/patterned papers you like to add to your designs.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions