‘It’s like a magic trick…’

These were the words of a year 1 pupil from St John’s Primary School in Longsight after he had just peeled his colourful print from his printing block. He had joined his classmates in creating a plate from cut out textured pieces of wallpaper, before rolling water based ink on them and running them through my portable printing press. He loved rolling the sticky ink on the paper, turning the handle of the press, before seeing the results of his efforts.

The cut out shapes were based on drawings based on images of textile works by Lucienne Day in the collection of The Whitworth. 180 Key Stage 1 pupils from St Chrysostom’s and St Johns Primary School spent 3 creative days making prints inspired by Pop Art , Kandinsky and Day. At my studio in Rossendale, larger prints were created using pre cut shapes from the children.

“ The prints made colourful displays at the schools and staff were pleased with the work . The prints are up on display outside my office. They look beautiful and staff and children were thrilled. Thank you for your efforts in this. We loved having you at school! Staff and pupils spoke highly of you .”

Fran Dean
Head of School St Chrysostom`s Primary School

“ The children had an amazing experience working with Alan. They particularly loved using the printing press and rolling the ink. The quality of the prints produced was outstanding and it is an experience
the children are unlikely to forget! ”

Rebecca Bulman
Year 2 teacher

Blog post written by printmaker and artist, Alan Birch. Go and see Alan’s work on his website; https://www.alanbirch.co.uk