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.
I’ve been working on a small series of Eco Image Transfer prints recently using Fabriano printing paper. I am using black & white and colour laser prints.
St. Mary’s Parish Church
The size of the prints are roughly smaller than A6 (10.5 x 14.85 cm). One of my prints was experimental and consisted of trying to combine eco image technique and linocut. The layer of Lino print didn’t really allow the toner from the transfer to adhere to the paper and caused the transfer to apply a blotted effect. The toner has tried to absorb into the paper but the oil based ink seems to have blocked the print from fixing. I found smaller detail like the aeroplane seem to work but the church building was more like a murky blob. Interesting results, may try out a few more.
Eco Image combined with Lino printed background
Below is a gallery of prints I’ve been working on this month.
Eco Image prints laid out togetherMemorial at the entrance to Woodbank parkWoodbank HallBoars Head Hotel PubBakers Vault pubSt Mary’s Parish churchSt George’s churchMake shift fencing, PortwoodRiley’s pool hall building detailStockport Exchange taken from a etching print
In summary, I observed that the Eco Image Transfer print method works best for small sized print formats and that black and white toner works best.
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 have recently been experimenting with Artificial Intelligence tool on my phone and transformed some of my prints into short animated sequences. The results are impressive and bazaar. Sound and music has been added automatically to each clip and on one clip I can hear some dialogue. Take a look below ⬇️
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 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.
Stockport In Print 
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