A blog about Stockport landmarks by artist/printmaker Neil Robinson which follows a printmaking project depicting the diverse architectural styles of my hometown both new and old.
Last month, I was invited to a preview of a new exhibition at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery to celebrate 100 years of the building.
The building is unique in the UK in that it is a war memorial honouring the fallen from previous world wars and also a public space to display artworks both amateur and professional alike.
During the evening. a number of speeches were given, one was by my artist friend Peter Davis MAFA CBPP who is a former archivist of Stockport Art Guild. Peter spoke about the strong relationship between the Art Gallery and the Art Guild.
Me at the exhibition preview of ‘Beautiful Things’
Incidentally, over 10 years ago, before I began this project, I created an etching print of the war memorial art gallery.
‘Stockport Art Gallery’ (Etching Aquatint)
The current exhibition at the gallery is a celebration of the building’s history and role in the local community.
Beautiful Things exhibition
Local children have contributed a colourful creative display of artwork in the exhibition. There is also a good selection of prints on display including some well known artists such as painter and graphic designer Patrick Caulfield
August has been a busy month for me and it’s not over yet.
On Sunday 10th August, I helped my friend out at an Intaglio printmaking workshop organised by Stockport Art Guild.
Alan Birch was running a 3 hour drypoint session at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery with approximately 15 participants. I was in charge of preparing the paper ensuring it was damp enough and blotted and ready for being printed. The prints created that day were of high quality and there is the possibility of running some more workshops.
Intaglio Printmaking Workshop.
A week later on Sunday 17th, I had my chance to run my own workshop at the art gallery which was demonstrating how to create Eco Image Transfer prints.
Eco Image Transfer workshop.
The 2 hour session went well and participants created some interesting work on cartridge paper, Balsa wood and Fabriano paper. The purpose of the workshop was to introduce this mono printmaking technique using household objects and materials.
I included a photo of the art gallery as a printing subject as it tied in well with the centenary celebrations of the war memorial and art gallery.
Last weekend, I visited the heritage centre based inside St. Mary’s church at the marketplace. The centre is open every Tuesday and Saturday.
The archive includes many photographs, found objects from archeological digs and books about the history of the town.
I spoke with one of its patrons, Jill Trumble and had a look through some of the photographic archive. I think a repeat visit is on the cards as next month there will be an exhibition on Woodbank hall.
My IPE submission: ‘Calm’ Eco Image Transfer on Fabriano paper.
The Centenary Open at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery came to an end on Sunday 24th August and I will be collecting my etching print depicting the Produce Hall this coming weekend.
Me next to my etching print of the Produce Hall.Stockport Centenary Open Exhibition.
I visited the Centenary Open Exhibition at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery this afternoon with a friend to see my etching print depicting the Produce Hall. In this fantastic exhibition.
The exhibition is worth a visit if you’re in Stockport or nearby.
Last weekend, I was working on my etching print of the tower at Pear Mill. The roof of the tower at Pear Mill is in the shape of a pear. I like the shape of the tower and all the patterns in the brick work. I will continue to work on the print a bit more next month.
I visited my local library the other day and discovered an interesting book written by Steve Cliffe about Stockport
“Stockport History and Guide by Steve Cliffe
The book is a fascinating read and charts the early settlement of was known as ‘Stokeport’ around 1066 up to present day.
Recently I submitted one of my etching aquatints in the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery Centenary Open Exhibition 2025. I chose the print I created of the Produce Hall.
“Produce Hall” Etching Aquatint
I also heard that there is to be a new exhibition planned for the autumn organised by Stockport Art Guild in Didsbury.
Earlier this month, I visited PrintFest in Ulverston. Founded in 2001, the festival brings together top artists/printmakers from around the United Kingdom who showcase and sell their contemporary prints at Coronation Hall (‘The Coro’). Printmakers also share their practices and learn from each other.
I purchased a large etching print while I was there as an early birthday present for my mum.
PrintFest at Coronation Hall, Ulverston
While at the event, I met up with my artist friend Pete Marsh who was one of the artists exhibiting.
The festival provides visitors the chance to chat with the artists and to attend workshops to learn about the art of printmaking.
A week later, I meet up with Pete at his new artist studio at the Falcon Mill Artist Studios and Gallery (FaMAS) open studios event in Bolton. Pete initially setup the FaMAS studios in 2011. The artist studios have increased in numbers since I last visited. There are now 40 studios at the mill.
I purchase one of Pete’s etchings of a horse rider while I was at the open studio event.
Falcon Mill, Bolton
The following weekend, I along with a group of friends visited the Portland Basin museum in Ashton-Under-Lyne. I spotted a Letter press machine in one of the shop recreations inside the museum.
Letterpress at Portland Basin Museum
The museum on two floors and is a fascinating and well laid out space. The museum backs onto the Ashton canal and there is a chance to go on a short canal trip.
Me at Ashton canal
A few weeks ago, I met with a member of staff from Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery who gave me information on the upcoming Centenary Open Exhibition to be held at the gallery next month in celebration of the war memorial art galleries 100 years. I decided to visit my favourite picture framer to get some of my prints ready for future exhibitions. According to the rules, you can only submit one artwork.
Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery
Last week, the walking group that I am a member of organised an evening walk of 4 miles around Vernon Park and Woodbank Park.
Vernon Park at sunset
The walk has given me inspiration to produce a series of Eco Image Transfer prints based on these two local parks. Here is a selection of my prints below.
In a few months, I plan to host another Eco Image Transfer workshop at Stockport Art Gallery similar to the recent Art for All Day.
As part of my study of Woodbank Hall, I made a sketch of the buildings exterior.
The month of March has been a busy month for me print wise.
Last month, I was given the opportunity to host a small number of Eco Image Transfer Workshops as part of the Art For All Day event organised by Stockport Art Guild.
The print workshops were in three one hour slots and I demonstrated the simple technique of transferring a laser printed image onto paper, card and wood using a eco cleaning product.
The free workshop offered local residents interested in art, but perhaps with limited experience or opportunities, the chance to engage in a range of practical art activities guided by Stockport Art Guild members.
Check out my article about Eco Image Transfer here.
A few weeks ago, I visited the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House for the day and enjoyed the artwork on show by famous and not so famous artists.
A lot of inspirational prints on show. My favourite artist is Peter Blake.
Last weekend, I continued working on my Mezzotint print of the Viaduct. The print will be used for my entry in this year’s Twenty/Twenty Hotbed Press international print exchange.
“Viaduct”
I’ve also started work on a new etching which depicts the Pear Mill tower. I have created an initial line etching.
“Pear mill”
I am currently working on a new series of Eco Image Transfer prints focusing on Woodbank Park, the former Boars Head pub and the Bakers Vaults pub. More to follow in my next blog post.
I delivered two of my etching prints earlier today to go on display at the Grosvenor Museum in Chester early next month for the 15th Open Art exhibition. I’m looking forward to attending the preview on Saturday 8th February.
I started work on a small mezzotint print on Friday. I am using a gelli print of the viaduct as my inspiration. My first test print shows a faint outline of the viaduct. I am using a pre-rocked copper plate about 10 x 7.5 cms.
Mezzotint plate and etching tools
I initially used a mezzotint etching tools to etch the plate which looks a bit like a fountain pen. The end of the tool is a diamond shape and allows for precise mark making. I then used an etching tool and scraper.
Mezzotint: First test print on proofing paper
I completed my etching of the Produce Hall yesterday and did some burnishing of the plate to highlight the path in the foreground. I also did some dry point on some of the features of the building.
Produce Hall, etching aquatint on Fabriano paper
By the way, here’s wishing all my followers a Happy and creative New Year!
I am currently working on a print depicting the Produce Hall which is located in the marketplace in Stockport. I will continue with my work on the print after Christmas.
I recently had some good news. Two of my Stockport series of prints have been accepted into the Grosvenor Museum’s 15th Open Art Exhibition in the new year. Feeling chuffed 😀
Stockport In Print 
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