Photopolymer Gravure Masterclass

Photopolymer Gravure is the modern variant of traditional copperplate photogravure: it replaces the copper plate with a photosensitive polymer plate, simplifying the process as well as reducing the maker's exposure to hazardous chemistry, while maintaining the continuous tone and astonishing quality of the final prints.

This four-day intensive masterclass is for students with prior experience of intaglio printing or photogravure who wish to learn advanced platemaking, calibration, and creative printing techniques. Participants will learn how to produce high quality, calibrated plates from photographic images, and will explore the full creative potential of the medium through advanced printing methods.

During the workshop you will learn platemaking and calibration to a high level from Lux Darkroom co-founder and master printer Constanza Isaza. The small group size ensures individual attention and plenty of opportunity for hands-on practice.

By the end of the workshop, participants should be able to:

• Produce high-quality photopolymer plates from digital image files, using Toyobo plates and the dual-exposure method

• Make and register duotone plates for two-colour printing

• Handle thin Asian papers

• Make chine collé prints

• Print on fabric

• Print with white and metallic inks on dark paper

• Retouch gravure prints

Requirements:

This course is aimed at participants who have some prior experience with photopolymer gravure or intaglio printing. Because of the technical nature of the calibration and advanced printing covered, we keep the group size small to ensure significant one-to-one tuition and access to the presses and other equipment.

By the end of the masterclass, you will leave with the knowledge and confidence to produce high-quality, calibrated plates in your own studio, alongside a portfolio of experimental prints and high-quality plates you can continue working with.