Liverpool Print Studio To Reopen At The BLUECOAT

One of Liverpool’s oldest print studios is reopening at the Bluecoat with a series of one day print workshops, 4 week print courses, and open hire access memberships. 

Following a lengthy closure, the Bluecoat is delighted to announce that they are ready to welcome printmakers back into their two newly refurbished 60-year-old print studios.

The contemporary arts centre is home to a fully equipped screen printing studio as well as an intaglio studio proudly furnished with a 100 year old Hughes and Kimber press. 

The studios will host a wide range of print workshops, from introductions to screen-printing, linocut and etching, to more advanced print methods, as well as workshops teaching bookbinding and experimental printing techniques. 

The Bluecoat is welcoming artist members who will be able to rent the studios for half day bookable slots and will provide a warm atmosphere for honing printmaking skills and creative practices. Artist memberships cost £50 per year and offer a number of benefits including 10% off all print workshops, monthly curated newsletters, and opportunities to take part in Bluecoat Artist print fairs. Each studio can host 3 people working simultaneously, with 3 print beds in the screen-printing studio. 

As well as seasoned printmakers, newcomers to printmaking practices will also be welcome to hire the studios. Novices will be directed to participate in a workshop of their chosen practice before becoming an artist member.

Ivy McIntyre, who was appointed as Bluecoat’s Print Manager in October 2022, says of the Print Studio relaunch: "I'm thrilled to reopen our Print Studios and to welcome printmakers, new and old, back to the Bluecoat. Our aim for the studios is to cultivate an active, local printmaking community. Working towards this goal, we've launched an exciting programme of workshops and a new membership scheme that includes studio access, artist opportunities and events. The studios have also been lovingly refurbished during their closure and I hope the new design will serve as a functioning and welcoming space for artists."

Ivy McIntyre is an artist and printmaker who specialises in zinc plate lithography and etching, previously leading acclaimed workshops at the Bluecoat. Working with established printmakers, she has developed a programme of workshops and courses that will be led by local artists. The sessions have proven popular, with the first three selling out shortly after being announced.

‍Upcoming workshops include:

Sat 11 February -Introduction to Etching *SOLD OUT*

Sat 25 February -Introduction to Screenprint *SOLD OUT*

Sat 11 March -Introduction to Screenprint *SOLD OUT*

Sat 18 March - Mother’s Day Keepsake Printmaking 

Sat 25 March - Introduction to Etching 

Sat 15 April - Introduction to Multi-colour Linocut 

Sat 29 April - ScreenPrinting on fabric - Print your own tote bag

Tue 2/9/16/23 May- The Art of Screenprinting (4-week course)

Sat 27 May - Introduction to Etching 

The Bluecoat Print Studios are committed to practising and pursuing safer, greener printmaking methods.

For more information please CLICK HERE

To become a Bluecoat Artist member you can either visit the Bluecoat information desk or call 0151 7025324.

Bluecoat Chambers, 8 School Lane, L1 3BX

All Images: Sophie Traynor