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Print workshop

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Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop welcomes artists, students and print enthusiasts of all abilities to its well-equipped, friendly and professional courses. The techniques taught include relief printing, etching, screenprinting and lithography.

The Print Workshop was opened in 1979 by distinguished printmakers Daphne Reynolds and Valerie Thornton to encourage artistic development and it has continued to draw a wide audience.

Since the transformational project, Reviving an Artist’s Birthplace, our Print Workshop has seen a beautiful refurbishment itself. The newly upgraded space has increased the capacity and range for people to access the facility, offering traditional skills in printmaking to a new generation.

Remembering Sue Molineux

Dates for your diary

It is important to note that the Print Workshop won’t be bookable for Members on these dates while Print Workshop Courses are being run.

Friday 6 October – Sunday 8 October 2023

Wednesday 11 October 2023

Friday 13 October – Sunday 15 October 2023

Wednesday 25 October – Friday 27 October 2023

Wednesday 1 November 2023

Friday 3 November – Sunday 5 November 2023

Saturday 11 November – Sunday 12 November 2023

Wednesday 15 November 2023

Friday 17 November – Sunday 19 November 2023

Wednesday 22 November 2023

Friday 24 November – Sunday 26 November 2023

Work for us

We have a vacancy for a Print Workshop Technician— see below on how to apply and for more information.

Print Workshop courses

Today

Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop is a flagship of excellence… perfectly situated in the grounds of the artist Thomas Gainsborough’s (1727–88) childhood home who himself was a leading printmaker.

— Anne Desmet RA 

An image of Jason Hicklin inking up an etching plate.
An image of the Victorian print press in Gainsborough's House Print Workshop.

If you’re a member of the Print Workshop and are now eager to use the wonderful space, get technical input from our dedicated team and unleash your creativity— here is some information to bear in mind when booking. 

How to book

All Print Workshop members must book a space to use the Workshop by emailing us specifying the date(s) and time as well as what they would like to do. 

This allows our technicians to ensure the right materials and resources are available in the studio for you, that there’s enough space for everyone to work comfortably, and that we can match your printing requirements to the specialisms of our technical support team.

Once we receive your email we will look at the studio bookings diary and confirm your booking, usually within a day of you putting in the request.

Book now

Become a Print Workshop Member

Enjoy 12 months or 3 months of the following benefits:

  • Free use of the Print Workshop
  • Open six days a week
  • Basic materials included
  • Regular technical support
  • No daily rate charge
  • Discounted rates for courses
  • Inductions provided
  • Free access to the House & Galleries
  • Annual Gainsborough’s House Printmakers’ exhibition in the Sudbury Gallery

Single Member (3 months) £120
Single Member (12 months) £240
*Joint Members (12 months) £450

*Joint PWS Members = 2 named members living at the same address

Become a PWS Member

The reopening of Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop signifies a triumphant return to in-person artistic exploration and collaboration. Visitors will once again have the opportunity to engage in workshops, courses, and events tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop looks forward to reigniting the vibrant art scene in Suffolk and inviting enthusiasts back through its doors. Whether seeking artistic inspiration, honing printmaking skills, or simply appreciating the beauty of the craft, the workshop promises an enriching experience for all.

Under the expert guidance of Jason Hicklin RE, the Print Room Manager, the workshop will continue to foster creativity and offer a platform for artists to explore the diverse realm of printmaking techniques; the Print Workshop aims to provide an inclusive and inspiring environment for all visitors.

Joining Jason Hicklin in leading the workshop are two talented technicians, Karina Savage and Heidi Sharp. With their passion for the craft and dedication to assisting artists, Karina and Heidi will play instrumental roles in maintaining the workshop’s high standards and ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

We are thrilled to be re-opening the Print Workshop, which is such an important part of Gainsborough’s House. We are particularly pleased to be working with experienced etcher Jason Hicklin, and I know he will bring vitality and excitement to the Print Workshop.

Jason and his new team of talented and experienced technicians will bring back to life this creative centre at the heart of Gainsborough’s House.

— Mark Bills, Director of Gainsborough’s House (2013–2023)

Print Workshop FAQs

  • When does the Print Workshop open and close?

    The Print Workshop is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Should you wish to work outside these opening hours, you should request this in advance with one of our technicians. You can make this request via email. Please be aware that when courses are running, the Workshop may not be available to members.

  • Do I need to bring anything with me?

    You can bring any materials you like. If you have a special request, you should contact our technicians in advance to ensure we can accommodate your practice. 

  • Once I arrive at Gainsborough’s House, how do I get into the Print Workshop?

    Members should go to the main reception in the new galleries, show their membership card and then they will be directed to the garden door entrance of the Print Workshop. There is no access from the Weavers Lane entrance.

  • What printing processes can be done in the Print Workshop?

    Relief printing, wood engraving, drypoint etching, etching, aquatint, letterpress, screen printing, stone and photolithography, photopolymer printing, monoprinting, cardboard cut and collagraphs.

  • Do I need to know how to do a process in order to work in the Print Workshop? 

    Yes, the Print Workshop is for people to work independently. The technicians are there for technical support. Courses will be available in the future to build on your printing skills.

  • What does my membership include other than access to the Print Workshop?

    Your membership includes materials such as Lambeth Cartridge paper, tissue and newsprint, etching ink, relief ink, screen printing ink, screen printing degreaser, lithography materials, and sundries such as tape, rags & clean-up materials.

    Your membership also includes free entry to Gainsborough’s House museum & galleries.

  • Are there printing courses at the Print Workshop?

    There will be courses announced in the future; the new course programme is still being devised. To stay up-to-date with courses & taught sessions, please check back on this webpage under ‘Upcoming events’. Members get first priority for course bookings.

  • How will I know about courses and how do I book a place?

    All information about courses will be on this webpage, under the Gainsborough’s House events section and members will get information sent directly if they have signed up for marketing and email updates on sign–up. If you don’t think you’re receiving email updates and would like to, please email the team to add you to our mailing list. Members will get first priority for courses. Details about how to book courses to follow.

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