Graphical interpretations

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.

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.

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.

Starting a new etching

Yesterday, I began work on a brand new etching for the project. My subject this time is the Produce Hall at the Marketplace. More on this print next month.

Etching plate covered in hard ground wax and ready for acid bite.

Close up: Etching plate covered in hard ground wax.

Last week, I received a lovely surprise in the post from Green Door Studios. An edition of 10 unique prints from around the world such as Japan, Australia and closer to home. I entered the International Print Exchange #16 with a dry point I’d printed on my home press last month (see last month’s blog post).

On Saturday evening, I was invited with my mum to the ‘Portrait of Stockport’ exhibition at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery by artist Helen Clapcott .

At the preview of the ‘Helen Clapcott: a portrait of Stockport’.

The exhibition shows Helen’s paintings that depict post industrial landscapes of the town of Stockport in a dream like Lowryesque quality. I was impressed by the detail in the work which were painted in egg tempera. The work covers a long period and show the town has changed over the years with the loss of mill buildings that were in abundance in the not too distant past.

I enjoyed the exhibition and loved the paintings and seeing familiar landscapes and buildings and the humour in the work.

Stockport College lino cut

Stockport College’
4-colour reduction lino-cut (proof print)

Relief Printmaking

I’ve been busy this month travelling to two different workshops creating new prints.

At the moment, I am working on a reduction lino cut which I started last month which depicts the former Stockport college buildings which are currently being demolished to make way for a new development of housing, a civic building and green spaces.

“Stockport college” (linocut) Test print

Prints on drying rack at Prospect studio

I visited the college site on Sunday afternoon and saw the aftermath of the first stage of the demolition. I believe the Greek Street building (second photo) is being saved and will be a hub for local businesses.

A few weeks ago, I attended a Japanese woodcut workshop at Green Door printmaking studios in Derby.

https://www.greendoor-printmaking.co.uk/

The 1-day workshop covered the process of taking a sketch or photo and producing a block print from a small sheet of bamboo.

I’ve not covered woodcut printing before so was surprised by the results. To prep the wood printing block, you first sand the surface of the wood with wet and dry and then paint the wood with blue watered-down acrylic paint.

A piece of yellow carbon paper was place on top of the wood block and you trace your pencil drawing on top of that to leave an impression on the surface of the wood to allow you to carve your image. With special woodcutting tools, you then cut using a blade cutter to cut across the grain where needed and then use one of the wide cutting tools to remove the areas of wood block you want staying light.

The wood block is then inked with oil based ink. Sumi paper is used as it’s thin and suitable for woodcut printing.

To transfer the image to paper, you can use either a barren, spoon or the side of your hands to apply pressure. I used a combination of these tools. I also used a book press which did an excellent job. I will definitely have to explore woodcut again. My inspiration for today’s print was the much missed Sycamore Gap.

Shopping List: Lino cutting tools

https://www.lawrence.co.uk/pfeil-lino-tool.html

Future plans for prints and history walks

I plan to enter my work in the Derby Open 2024. I’m also planning another photo walk around town which will probably be north of the Mersey.

Further details will be published in the coming months.

Debenhams chine collé print

Chine collé is a printmaking method where thin paper is glued onto a thicker paper before printing. This creates a layered effect in the final print.

I use a starch glue called Yamato Nori Starch Paste which you can buy online in 220g green tubes. I would definitely recommend this glue as it transparent and is less messy than PVA.

I also started work on a brand new print this weekend which going to be a Lino print of the former Stockport College building.

Debenhams store

Started a new print yesterday, which is a drypoint of the now closed Debenhams store.

Continued working on my etching of the Robinsons brewery and created 5 prints on Fabriano paper.

Review of 2023 in pictures

Here’s a gallery of prints and images from this year.

My main highlights from this year was having work accepted into The Real Public Art Show (Stockport Open), the first Bury Open exhibition and the 102nd Stockport Art Guild exhibition.

2024 marks 10 years since I started this printmaking project / blog, and in that time I have created a catalogue of printmaking which I am going to present in a future exhibition. The project is not over yet, as I will be producing some new artworks in the coming months. Watch this space 👀

By the way have a happy and relaxing Christmas and here’s to 2024 and more creativity. Cheers 🥳🎄☃️🎇🎁

102nd Stockport Art Guild exhibition 2023

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.

192nd Stockport Art Guild exhibition 2023 in association with Stockport Town of Culture.

The Blossoms pub print

I completed my latest etching of The Blossoms pub yesterday at Prospect Studios and here is the final result.

I used a darker black printing ink which brings out the detail and contrast more on the image.

Autumn Photo walk

The clocks went back one hour this morning so I had a lie in which is something I rarely do nowadays due to early starts with work etc. I had planned to do this as a summer photo walk in mid-August but other commitments got in the way. My plan was to park my car in Stockport not far from the college campus and walk the 15 minutes or so up to Lark Hill road which is next to Hollywood Park.

Hollywood Park: Art installation or a rock for climbing on?

Back in 1961, the film ‘A Taste of Honey’ by dramatist Shelagh Delaney starring Rita Tushingham and Dora Bryan was released in cinemas. Some of the filming locations were shot in Stockport around St Mary’s church, the viaduct and Lark Hill road in Edgeley. The film was originally a novel which was then turned into a play. More details about the filming locations can be found here at the Reel Streets website.

From Lark Hill road, I walked down the footpath towards (A560) Brinksway.

Footpath at Lark Hill Road going down to Brinksway

The path looked a bit slippery and there were lots of ladybirds on the handrails. I decided to walk back up the footpath to continue my walk.

From Lark Hill road, I walked the streets of back-to-back house towards Alexander Park and on towards Skye’s Reservoir.

Alexander Park is not far from the town of Edgeley and is a public park with bowling greens and playgrounds. A nice leafy park with Skye’s Reservoirs nearby.

Information sign on the history of the reservoirs and bleach works

Sykes’ Reservoirs was so named after businessman William Sykes who rented then bought the land in 1793 to establish the Edgeley Bleach Works. The reservoir supplied fresh water to the bleach works which aided in bleaching the cloth using natural alkaline derived from ash. The cloth was then stretched and dried in the sun. The whole process could take up to 8 months. The cloth was then sold to Manchester and London merchants.

The business which later became Sykes and Company ceased trading in 1986.

From the reservoirs now frequented by anglers and geese, I walked towards the football stadium at Edgeley park.

Formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, they were renamed Stockport County in 1890 after the borough of Stockport. The club is currently first in league 2.

Old workhouse/former hospital in Shaw Heath

Back to the walk. I made my way towards Shaw Heath towards the old workhouse buildings.

There seems to be some activity at the old hospital site with some clearing work in progress. The area is sealed off by high wood and metal fencing. I was able to take some photos through the fence.

Old workhouse building entrance, Shaw Heath

Hopefully this area will be regenerated in the not too distant future into maybe housing or an extension to the college.

Finally, I headed towards the college and visited Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery to look at a couple of exhibitions.

Most of the campus at the college looks as though it’s been abandoned and is in a sad state. Hopefully as with the workhouse buildings, this whole area can be fully regenerated and bring back some dignity to the place.

I headed back to my car and set off for home. I was lucky with the weather (14c) and really enjoyed the photo walk with plenty of images from a Sunday afternoon stroll.