The techniques of printmaking sometimes seem archaic and obscure. Why do we use wax, sugar, soap and strange mordants, and why is aquatint called the ‘lazy mezzotint’? Learn how and why to use a cuttlefish bone. These techniques were all originally devised to make print editions, but we will use them to discover a new vocabulary. Illustrated demonstrations will be given in etching, aquatint, drypoint, collagraph as well as monoprint. We can have fun creating coloured papers for chine collé, investigating two plate colour printing and experimenting with colour roll-ups. This course is suitable for beginners and advanced printmakers, with individual guidance and direction given to each student. 

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. 

This course is for students 18 and over.

Public Courses FAQs | The Royal Drawing School

Unfortunately, we do not offer concessions on our Summer School courses.

All of our course rates are subsidised and we also offer a comprehensive concessions scheme on our term-time courses.  View all course fees and concessions.

Featured image by Jack Fawdry Tatham