The bed size of the presses we have are listed below. Plates, Blocks and Screens need to be considerably smaller to allow for paper margins.
See Presses & Equipment 2 for other auxiliary equipment in the studio.
RELIEF
Columbian Relief Press | Bed size 36” x 24”
Built in 1853, this is a beautiful example of this type of press and is used for woodblock and lino prints. This nineteenth century lever press is capable of printing blocks of up to 100cm x 60cm (39″ x 25″) in size. Equipped with a double skinned tympan which will carry packing, it does require considerable pressure for the very large blocks.
INTAGLIO
Swansea Print Workshop has six intaglio or etching presses in total, three of which are permanently studio based.
Radcliffe Etching Press | Bed Size | 72” x 35”
This very substantial press came from Chelsea College of Art in 1998 which has a long history of prestigious printmakers, such as Frank Brangwyn and David Hockney. Although there is no date stamp or manufacturer’s name on the press its design indicates it was probably built around the 1920s.
“The Inverleith” Etching Press | Bed Size: 15” x 30” | made by Davidson and Cheyne Printers Engineers for the Printmakers Workshop, Edinburgh 1973 |machine no.1326
This little press was purchased from the artist, David Carpanini. It has a very easy and sensitive adjustment and is quick to set up and a joy to use.
Bewick etching Press |Bed size: 36” x 21”
This is our most modern intaglio press and has a very fine pressure adjustment making I our most popular and easy press to use. It can also adjust to print lino-cuts using a foam pad rather than etching blankets
2 of Tofko Etching Press |Bed size 40 x 60 cms
Our two portable Tofko presses are mainly used for Outreach work. Bought new, they are largely used for collagraph and relief blocks, but will also print intaglio. These presses are accessible for wheelchair users when mounted on a low table.
SCREENPRINTING
Hand screen printing Table | Bed size: 69” x 44”
Vacuum bed with one arm squeegee unit
UV Print Down Exposure Unit |132 cm x 107 cm With vacuum lid and timer | capable of taking screens up to 43” x 64”
