What’s on?

Thursday 3 October, 14.00, Free admission, Booking required

The Museum’s collection is made up largely of letterpress printing equipment, which is a form of relief printing, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1439. The invention is one of the greatest known to mankind and it was the chief manner of printing which prevailed for over 500 years before becoming obsolete, in the commercial sense, in the mid-twentieth century. The main collection is not behind glass or rope, but is instead an example of a working collection – which you will see come to life during this print history tour.

Sunday 6 October, 10.30 – 16.30, €90, max 6 people

This workshop will introduce participants to the techniques of relief printmaking using the lino block (creating the woodcut will also be discussed). Over the day transferring the image to the block, use of tools, inking up, printing on the press and by hand will be demonstrated. Individual tuition will follow as students go on to produce their own plates. Blind Embossing, will also be discussed  & demonstrated and participants will be encouraged to incorporate this into their work. This class is suitable for beginners, teachers and students interested in this method of printing for the leaving certificate. All materials are provided.

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking with Caroline Byrne

Sunday 20 October, 10.30 – 16.30,  €90, max 6 people

This one day workshop begins with Monoprint, often described as the painterly print. Students will explore colour, texture (fabric, foliage, textured paper etc.) and mark making. Printing by hand (no need for a printing press), using water based inks, acetate sheets and a variety of papers, students will create their own covers for books. Books will be made using the technique of Japanese stab binding, a hand stitched method, allowing students to create their own personal book(s). Once the skills are learnt, students can continue to make more books at home! Suitable for complete beginners or those with some previous experience. All materials are supplied, but please feel free to bring additional texture to print from if you wish.

Monoprint and Japanese Stab Binding with Debra Bowden