.jpg)
If you're looking for some new art this weekend, or just a lovely day out, it might be an idea to head to Wakefield for The Hepworth Print Fair - which kicks off tomorrow and is the go-to place to buy and explore all things print. The fair is happening at the newly renovated event space at Tileyard North, the refurbished mill opposite the gallery.
There will be the opportunity to buy work directly from over 60 emerging and established artists and collectives – working in linocut printing, mono-printing, screen-printing, collagraph, woodcut, risograph, cyanotype, textile design and more – alongside a selection of galleries which specialise in selling prints.
The fair is also welcoming several Wakefield-based printmakers, including Eddy Jessop who makes colourful and comical 1970s-inspired designs and has collaborated with brands such as Skinny Dip London; The Art House resident Ellie Way, known for her golden age of travel-inspired West Yorkshire prints; and illustrator Seanna Doonan, whose prints of Wakefield have previously been on display in The Hepworth Wakefield café.
From further across Yorkshire and the north, Hot Bed Press will showcase work from Manchester’s most vibrant printmakers; multidisciplinary artist Aliyah Hussain will be bringing her digital print and risograph works; and James Bywood, the recipient of the 2019 The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair Prize, will display his stunning graphical interpretations of landscapes. Other returning names include Laura Slater – known for her collaborations with IKEA, John Lewis, Tate and The Hepworth Wakefield – West Yorkshire Print Workshop and print-textile designers Yuk Fun.
Across the weekend, families can get creative with printmaking workshops and activities in the exhibition spaces, guaranteed to keep budding artists occupied. Family activities are free for Wakefield residents and free with an exhibition ticket, which are half price all weekend. A number of short films exploring artists’ relationship to print will be screened in the gallery’s auditorium. The Print Fair will also welcome back illustrator, Mr Woody Woods who will be capturing 5-minute portraits of visitors.
We've got to mention the new Yorkshire Brasserie and The Distillery bar recently opened in Tileyard North, (amazing!) - and there's also the Hepworth’s own café and garden café - so no excuse to fill those tummies...
Simon Wallis, who is The Hepworth Wakefield’s director, said: "I am pleased that The Hepworth Wakefield can continue to support emerging and established printmakers. We have a great range of artists and galleries taking part, offering something for every budget. If you are at all interested in print making or simply wanting to buy a something new for your home, I encourage you to explore our Print Fair for a great day out with all the family."
Entry to the Print Fair is £2 / free for members and under 18s. During the Print Fair weekend, exhibition tickets are half price (£6) so that visitors can experience all that The Hepworth Wakefield has to offer this spring, including the last chance to see our major exhibition of Hannah Starkey’s photographs, including those specially commissioned in Wakefield.