Relief Printmaking: Linocuts, Woodcuts & Wood Engravings

We’re great fans of relief printmaking, from bold linocuts and woodcuts to finely detailed wood engravings. Many examples by the artists we work with adorn our walls at home.

In relief printmaking, the artist cuts into the surface of linoleum or wood using a sharp knife or V-shaped and U-shaped gouges. The raised areas are inked, paper is laid over the block, and an impression is taken by hand — using a baren or even a wooden spoon — or with a printing press. This process may be repeated for each colour in 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 making the most of relief printmaking techniques include:

Here we’ve selected some of our current favourite original relief prints, including linocuts, woodcuts and wood engravings.