What is safe etching?

No hazardous fumes

No exposure to dangerous acids or solvents

Accessible processes for mark-making

Consistent results

Compatible with traditional effects (aquatint, sugar lift) Innovative advanced techniques

As a result of a grant by the Arts Council of Wales, the Workshop has adopted an innovative etching ground developed by Andrew Baldwin of Trefeglwys Printmaking studio Wales.

BIG Safe Etching at SPW offers the printmaker a safer alternative in etching with the same level of creative opportunities as traditional materials without exposure to hazardous chemicals. For the beginner, BIG provides an accessible process for spontaneous and diverse mark-making. For the experienced printmaker, BIG provides medium for consistent, excellent results.

As a result of the popularity of this process we have recently upgraded our etching facility.

There is now much better access and good working areas around the sinks.

We now have a dedicated plate preparation, applying a ground, dip tank for etching, oven drying areas with much better access

Andrew visits us several times a year to do two levels of workshops, an introduction to etching and then a follow up masterclass. See our Workshop Profiles for further information