Swansea Print Workshop was set up and is managed by experienced printmakers and is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and professional artists alike. Alongside the well-equipped studio, the facilities also offer a multi-functional space, shop, resource area and small kitchen.
Open Access
SPW operates an open access policy. Any member can use the facilities during scheduled open access hours or 24/7 for those who are Keyholder members.
Open Access sessions members who have some experience of the technique they want to work in, and who can work independently in the studio. They are not teaching sessions. They are run by volunteers who supervise sales of materials, access to services and have a remit for health and safety issues for equipment.
See our Membership page if you would like to join our friendly, supportive studio as a member.
Studio Space
A variety of workshops take place regularly in the main studio where beginners and experienced printmakers can often be seen working side by side. There is excellent natural light and a comprehensive facility for creating prints of all kinds.
We have facilities for relief printing, collagraph, etching and screenprinting. The bed sizes of the presses can be found in each individual section.
A UV exposure unit supports the exposure of plates and screens for photo etch and photo screenprint. Additionally, it is used for the popular process of cyanotype.
Glass-topped inking areas provide work surfaces and a large selection of relief, etching and water-based inks are available. There is also provision for dampening and drying large sheets of paper, a grounds preparation area and a drying cupboard for curing plates.
SPW is equipped with rollers in a range of sizes and hardness and we stock a full range of materials and papers specifically chosen to ensure quality and consistency of outcome.
We have a well-stocked Library which we welcome you to browse for information and inspiration. All of our printmaking workshops have had support notes and these are available In the studio for reference.
Please see our individual sections below for more information including the bed size of presses
ETCHING: includes dedicated area supporting BIG Safe Etching process
INTAGLIO: includes three studio-based presses and two mobile presses
SCREENPRIINTING: includes large screenprinting bed and exposure unit
RELIEF: includes our beautiful Colombian press
Drawing Room
The Drawing Room is our multi-purpose space which is available for hire to organisations and individuals. It is used for displays of work for sale, exhibitions, talks and workshops. For more information please visit Venue Hire
Access
SPW is wheelchair accessible.
Printmaking offers many opportunities for disabled artists and practitioners. We encourage you to get in touch to discuss your accessibility requirements for any workshops and activities we offer. By email is our preferred method or please phone and leave a message. Our facilities are staffed by volunteers so please bear with us if there is a delay before we get back to you.
Parking
There are three zones of one hour parking immediately adjacent to the
workshop –this means you have to move to the next zone every hour as you are
not allowed to return within three hours. On the far side of the Vetch field
there is a three-hour zone. It is a short walk through the old Vetch field to
the studio.