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
I will be hosting a 2 hour Eco Image Transfer workshop on Sunday 17th August between 1pm to 3pm at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery.
Participants will learn how to create rich layered collages that blend hand drawn and photographic elements, all while using environmentally friendly materials. Perfect for creatives looking to add a vintage, grainy or zine-inspired aesthetic to their work.
To book a free place, please contact the Art Gallery on 0161 474 4453 or email: [email protected]
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.
February has been a busy time for me so far. I have been volunteering on setting up the 103rd Stockport Art Guild exhibition, compiling the catalogue, updating the website and creating labels for the artwork.
To my surprise, I was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership of Stockport Art Guild at this year’s annual exhibition. I was very happy and a bit overwhelmed to receive the award which is for my outstanding contribution to the success of the Art Guild over the last 20 years in particular developing the website and social media channels. I am really chuffed. 😀
Stockport Art Guild 103rd Exhibition flyer
Last Saturday, I visited the city of Chester to attend preview of The Grosvenor Museum’s 15th Open Art Exhibition. The exhibition is held in one room as you enter the museum and go up some stairs, the gallery is to the right past the reception area. The preview was very busy with lots of artists in attendance with their guests.
I have two of my etchings in the exhibition from the printmaking project. The first is a burnished etching of Robinsons Brewery, the second etching depicts The Blossoms pub.
My prints on displayMe in front of my printsThe Grosvenor Museum’s 15th Open Art Exhibition.
The open arts exhibition is on until Sunday 31st August 2025, so there’s plenty of time for a visit. I will definitely be re-visiting the museum which houses a collection of Roman artefacts.
In March, I will be running some free printmaking workshops for the Stockport ArtGuild’s ‘Art For All Day’ event which is on Sunday 16th March.
The event offers Stockport residents interested in art but with limited art experience the opportunity to engage in a range of practical art activities and to experience a variety of creative practice.
Activities include; figure and portrait drawing, clay modelling, printmaking and colourful painting, as well as a how-to-improve-your-drawing workshop.
As October draws to an end and the nights are getting shorter, I am writing this latest article on Halloween. Over the last few weeks, I have been busy documenting the last batch of print subjects of Stockport landmarks I need to complete the project. I’ve got a decent selection of images to use for future prints.
Pear MillPear MillPear MillProduce HallMural on Arden Arms pubStockport ExchangeThe Plaza theatreMural on Chestergate pubSt George’s churchSt George’s church
A few weeks ago, I attended a drawing and printmaking workshop in Stockport organised by Stockport Art Guild entitled ‘Graphic interpretation of Stockport landmarks combined with print’. The workshop was organised by the owner of the Art Club in Heaton Moor by former textiles designer Angela Lock.
‘Starry Plaza’
I decided to create an artwork depicting the Plaza with a starry sky. The process involved creating landmarks drawn on cartridge paper in a simplistic monochromatic style. Once the drawing had been made, a larger piece of paper was then printed on using polystyrene thin sheets backed with card using water based ink. One of the printing blocks I used had a start pattern which I felt was a suitable background for the artwork.
After the event, I decided to donate my contribution to the gallery for all to see.
The finished results are shown in the photo below.
Finished artworks on display at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery
One final note, congratulations to Prospect Studios which celebrated its 20th Anniversary last weekend.
I have three of my prints in this year’s exhibition which has its preview today at 2pm. The exhibition is on until 19th January 2024 at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery.
Strawberry Studios (Etching Aquatint)192nd Stockport Art Guild exhibition 2023 in association with Stockport Town of Culture.
I attended The Real Public Art Show at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery this afternoon.
Me today besides my print depicting Stockport Exchange.
An excellent exhibition celebrating Stockport as part of the Stockport Town of Culture. I enter one of my prints depicting Stockport Exchange which was based on a sketch I did on location a few years ago.
Stockport In Print 
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