Studio Print Sessions: Introduction to Etching

Introduction to Etching: 8‑Week Evening Course for Beginners

Discover the traditional craft of copper plate etching in this immersive 8‑week evening course, perfect for beginners and those excited to get started in the new Devonport Guildhall Print Studios. Across a series of practical, hands‑on sessions, you’ll learn the foundations of etching—exploring processes such as hard and soft ground, aquatint, sugarlift, and colour printing techniques.

With small group numbers and expert guidance, this course offers the ideal environment to develop your printmaking skills with confidence.

Who it’s for

Perfect for: Complete beginners, returning printmakers, and anyone looking to build a strong grounding in traditional etching techniques.

No prior experience is required. You’ll be supported step by step as you experiment, learn new processes, and discover your creative approach to etching.

Ages 18+

Dates & times

This 8‑week course runs on Thursday evenings, 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

• 30th April
• 7th May
• 14th May
• 21st May
• 28th May – Half‑term break
• 4th June
• 11th June
• 18th June
• 25th June

Price

The full 8‑week course is £280 (£35 per session) (+ booking fee)

Discounts available:

• 10% off for Print Club Members and Studio Holders (via discount code)

What to expect

Across the 8 weeks, you will explore:

• Core etching techniques
  Learn the fundamentals of hard and soft ground line etching, aquatint, and sugarlift.
• Press & printing skills
  Develop confidence using the printing press, preparing paper, and mastering inking methods.
• Exploring colour
  Experiment with colour using techniques such as chine collé and à la poupée.
• Guided creative development
  Work within a small group (maximum of 5 learners), allowing for personalised instruction and plenty of technical support.
• A supportive studio environment
  Enjoy access to the new printmaking facilities at Devonport Guildhall, designed to nurture creativity and experimentation.

Materials

All materials and safety equipment are provided.

Facilitator

Barton Hargreaves – Artist Printmaker & Tutor

Barton is an experienced printmaker and educator with over 20 years of teaching experience across traditional and digital printmaking. He holds an MA from the Royal College of Art and spent 10 years as a Print Tutor at the Royal Academy Schools. He is currently a Lecturer at Arts University Plymouth.

His expertise and passion for printmaking bring depth, insight, and inspiration to this course.