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 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 😀
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.
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).
IPE 2024 Exchange #16 pack.‘Robin Hood tree’.
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 In Print 
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