Intermediate Photopolymer Gravure

Photopolymer gravure combines the best of two worlds: printmaking and photography. The photogravure process, developed in the 1870s, involved etching a photographic image into a copper plate, from which prints could then be produced. The modern equivalent – photopolymer gravure - replaces the copper plate with a photosensitive polymer plate, making the process faster and easier to learn, as well as reducing the maker’s exposure to hazardous chemistry. This Intermediate workshop will take members through all the key aspects of the process including: 

• Preparing the digital transparency (negative) using desktop inkjet printer

• Establishing the correct timing for the initial aquatint (stochastic screen) plate exposure and for the subsequent exposure under the image transparency

• Calculating and calibrating the necessary adjustment of the digital image, using Photoshop curves, to ensure that the etched plate produces even tone graduation from white to black that fully matches the complete tonal differentiation of the origination image

• Preparing the paper and inking the plate 

• Producing the print on the etching press

• Drying and protecting the print

• The use of two plates to provide duotone prints with colour differentiated highlights or shadows

• The use of chine-collé techniques

Participants will work through the complete platemaking process, including all aspects of exposure and calibration and the use of two or more plates and chine-collé to produce multi-coloured prints. Some prior experience of intaglio printing or Photoshop will be helpful. Materials will be provided, all that is needed is your images. 

What to bring:

• High resolution images on a memory stick or laptop

• Marigold gloves & Apron

• A3 box or folder to take your prints home in

• Laptop with Adobe Photoshop & Microsoft Excel installed (optional)

• Memory stick with additional images