Wood Engraving: Four Week Course

In these four week wood-engraving courses, explore the techniques and tools of this delicate and powerful printmaking technique with tutor Emily Johns.

In the introductory course, we will additionally be delving into the history of this practice, with a focus on Eric Ravilious, its best known local practitioner. You will have the unique opportunity to study Ravilious' work up close at Towner, and we will be using his work as a reference for understanding the technique of wood engraving and woodblock printing.

In the intermediate course, we will be exploring the next steps in wood engraving. You will have already learnt to hold the tools, sharpen them, and make marks, so in this course we will be focusing on designing and planning images, developing patterning and control of tone. We will be learning directly from the work of wood engravers in the Towner’s collection including Eric Ravilious, Tirzah Garwood and Gertrude Hermes.

You will come away from your chosen course with your own engraved wood blocks and prints to keep. A practice block of wood, ink, and paper will be supplied, and extra wood blocks and cutting surfaces can be purchased during each class. Use the tutor's tools or bring your own. Refreshments will also be provided.

Please note: We recommend the Intermediate course in January for those with some previous experience of wood-engraving, and the Introductory course in April & May for those who are completely new to this practice. We are only taking bookings for the full four weeks of each course.

Your tutor will be Emily Johns, a printmaker and painter based in Hastings, Sussex, and an experienced wood engraving teacher.