For Printmakers

Digswell Arts Print Studio provides printmaking facilities and professional support for artists and designers in a creative and vibrant environment. The print studio is based at It’s purpose built studios in Digswell, Welwyn, Hertfordshire and is large, clean, bright and fully equipped. We offer Workshops and studio hire to visiting artists and Artists proficient in printmaking techniques, and able to work independently, can also apply for  print membership. 

Our Facilities: 

• Large Etching press – AO size – One of the largest flatbed etching presses in the country (W90cm x L220cm) suitable for a wide range of print making techniques including relief, monoprinting and intaglio. It has been in the Trust’s possession since 1957.

• Albion Press – A2 size – Suitable for Relief Processes e.g.; Lino and Woodcut.

• Continuous workbenches around two sides with shelving underneath,

• A long sink for print washing and large water bath and blotting area for dampening paper

• Rubber rollers, plastic plates (for mono print)

• A1 size drying rack

• Large glass ‘inking up’ plates

• lockable store room for storing hazardous materials and plan chests with drawers available for members use.

The building has full central heating and hot and cold running water.
Full disabled access with the print area on the ground floor.
We are currently operating as a ‘Safe’ print studio so there is no chemical based etching equipment set up.

Open Access Studio Hire;
Anyone with previous print experience wishing to use our Printmaking workshop can book a whole day or half day session on an ad hoc basis and benefit from working in a creative and supportive environment.

Days available for Open Access Print sessions are; Thursdays and Saturdays 

Whole day – 10.30 – 4.30 –  fee is £25.00
Half day – 10.30 – 1.30 or 1.30 -4.30 –  fee is £15

Those using the facilities for the first time would also need to do a Health and Safety Induction for an additional fee of £5.00.

Some assistance is provided with use of equipment where this is needed and numbers for these sessions is kept low, so visiting artists have excellent access to the presses and plenty of space to work. 
Sundries included in the cost are: white spirit, rags, gloves, newsprint.
Oil based Etching or Litho inks are available to use at an extra cost of £5.00 per session.
Artists will need to bring their own paper.
Open Access sessions are run by Digswell Artist Sally Tyrie who has been based at the studios since 2009.
Advanced booking is essential and enquiries can be made by contacting Sally directly at sally.tyrie@ntlworld.com or call the Studio on 01438 717765

Print Membership 

This entitles artists to work independently in the Print workshop for a day each week and store equipment/materials on site in a lockable cupboard and plan chest drawer. Members are also invited to take part in Digswell Arts events such as Open Studios, group exhibitions, art critiques and meetings.

Printmakers apply in a similar manner to Fellows applying for a studio, with a consideration of creative commitment being an important factor. They will need to be proficient in their chosen discipline and adopt good studio practice, as members share responsibility for the care and maintenance of the print workshop and equipment.
Prospective print members, new to the studio, would need to attend an open access sessions to undertake an induction into the workshop procedures and facilities before commencing their Print Membership.
Apply to be a print member

Sally also runs print workshops suitable for beginners and experienced artists.

Testimonials

“The opportunity to use Digswell Arts Trust print facilities during ‘Open Access’ sessions has enabled me to develop my print projects and work on a much larger scale than before. The prints made during those sessions definitely made the difference in getting a place on the degree course I start in September.”

Ben Matthews 2012 – Ben has attended a number of our Open access sessions, whilst also studying on a part time Foundation Degree course at Barnfield FE College in Luton. He will be going to Central Saint Martins in September for the  final year of his Degree.