Exploring relief printmaking
We're great fans of the variety of relief printmaking techniques, with many examples adorning our walls at home.
Relief printmaking will see the artist cutting the surface of linoleum and wood with a sharp knife or V-shaped and U-shaped gouges. The remaining areas will then be inked up, paper will be laid over the top and then the artist will take an impression, either burnishing by hand using a barren (or even a wooden spoon) or using a printing press. This process will be repeated for each colour that makes up the finished print.
Here's a short film showing Angie Lewin creating a small wood engraving >
The variety of image that can be made using the technique never fails to surprise and inspire. Some of the artists who are making the most of the linocut technique include:
Paul Catherall / Neil Bousfield / Paul Cleden / Gail Brodholt / Michael Kirkman / Jane Walker
Here we've selected some of our current favourite relief prints available from our online gallery...
