Centenary of the War Memorial Art Gallery

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.

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

Workshops

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.

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.

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.

I still have to sign and edition my prints for International Print Exchange and the Hotbed press 20:20.

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.

Pear Mill print

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.

I also heard that there is to be a new exhibition planned for the autumn organised by Stockport Art Guild in Didsbury.

Published prints

I am thrilled to have my etching prints published in a book which celebrated the Derby Print Open 2024 exhibition which was held last month.

Derby Print Open Exhibition

I managed to visited the Derby Print Open exhibition recently to view the amazing printmaking at various venues around the city of Derby on a warm and sunny afternoon.

While visiting the exhibition, I spotted one of my etching prints at the nearby Dubrek music recording studios next door to Green Door Printmaking Studios.

It was great seeing my own artwork in the exhibition and I also purchased a high quality exhibition catalogue which featured all the prints in the show. The exhibition has closed today and I will be returning to collect my prints in the coming weeks and also visit some of the museums in Derby town centre such as the Museum of Making.

Bye for now.

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.

Pictures at an Exhibition

On Saturday, I attended the 101st Stockport Art Guild exhibition at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery. I have 3 prints in this year’s exhibition which consists of 2 etchings based on Stockport that I worked on just before the Covid lockdowns and a photo screen print I completed this summer at Green Door Printmaking Studio in Derby.

The exhibition was a massive success and I helped with setting it up over the last few weeks.

101st Annual Exhibition

101st Stockport Art Guild Exhibition 2022

You’re invited to Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery to see the artworks of our talented, creative members. Many works for sale!

Our artists all have their unique style, and you can expect a wide variety of works.

Preview: Saturday 26th November 2022 at 2pm to 4pm (Refreshments provided)
Exhibition: Sunday 27th November 2022 to Friday 20th January 2023

Venue: Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK3 8AB.

Gallery Opening Times:
Thursday and Friday: 1pm to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Telephone: 0161 474 4453
Email: [email protected]

Stockport Open exhibition

I attend the preview of the Stockport Open 2022 art exhibition this afternoon. I have two prints in this year’s exhibition and am really honoured to have my work accepted.

Preparing for an exhibition

Since my last post, I have been on a much needed break from my printmaking. Yesterday, I started a new drypoint print which I hope to combine with a chine collé technique (which uses different colours of tissue paper overlaid on the print during printing). The new drypoint depicts the Masonic Guildhall which is located opposite the college. I used a photograph as a reference. I managed to get a proof done and hope to complete the print soon.

I am hoping to enter two of my prints in this year’s Stockport Open Exhibition which is returning to the art gallery in Stockport.

The exhibition is on from 22nd July to 23rd September.

I also printed a couple of prints from the Stopford House etching I did a few months back. I hope to enter this into the open exhibition.