Etching

This course is an opportunity to extend your drawing practice into the fascinating realms of printmaking.
  • Printmaking and Etching
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Etching Image

Course details

Dates

15 September – 17 November 2025

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£488.00 Concessions available

Location

Shoreditch studios

Overview

Tutors will introduce and develop intaglio techniques with an emphasis on etching – hard and soft ground, aquatint, sugar lift and white ground. Students will investigate ancient techniques to express new ideas and there will be a demonstration of various intaglio techniques for students to experiment with: drypoint, mezzotint, collagraph, carborundum prints, multiplate colour printing and chine collé. Teaching will be tailored to the individual with the intention of expanding students’ visual vocabulary.

Please note: Our Print Room has limited access and etching involves using hazardous chemicals. The print room environment is not suitable for everyone. Etching classes are unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those sensitive to chemicals or with breathing difficulties.

Who is it for

Beginners welcome. No experience of drawing required.  

What’s provided

For printmaking courses, a fully equipped intaglio print room is provided for students to work with etching, collograph and monoprint. Plates and paper can be bought at just over the cost-price in the print room (card payments only).  On average, most students usually spend between £10 - £20 for a 10 week course.

What to bring

You will need to wear apron/old clothes and bring some ideas and source material with you.

Required materials include:                                                                                             

  • Basic drawing materials
  • Eraser
  • Nylon sable-type brush, between sizes 2 -6                                                                         

Optional materials include:  

  • Dry point needle or etching needle
  • Burnisher
  • Magnifying glass
  • Scraper                                                                                                                                    

If you already own etching tools, please mark them with some tape or coloured paint and bring them along. Further material lists are provided a week before your course begins. 

Concessions

We offer a range of discounts. To apply, email admin@royaldrawingschool.org with the required proof. Please wait for confirmation before booking.

 Available discounts

  • NHS Staff: 20%
    Send a photo of your NHS staff badge.
  • Full-time Fine Art BA Students: 75%
    Students on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible. Send your student ID and proof of enrolment.
  • Primary and Secondary Art Teachers: 50%
    Send a letter from your headteacher or head of art department.
  • Jobseekers: 50%
    Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit (if out of work). Appointment booklets are not accepted.
  • Disability Benefit Recipients: 50%
    Send proof that you currently receive this allowance.
  • Tower Hamlets and Hackney Residents: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
    Send a copy of your most recent council tax bill.
  • Tower Hamlets and Hackney Businesses: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
    Send a staff ID, business card or a letter from your line manager.
  • Over 60s: 10%
    Send a photo ID as proof of age.
  • Alumni: Postgraduate Programme or Foundation Year: 50% off short courses 
    Online Drawing Development Year: 50% off online short courses

Before you apply

  • Documents must be dated within the last 6 months (or 12 months for council tax)
  • Your name must be clearly visible
  • Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Tara Versey loading=
Tara Versey

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2010

Jake Garfield loading=
Jake Garfield

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2013