This blog is written by creative practitioner and printmaker, ALAN BIRCH

The first 3 months of 2025 has been a busy period with many schools exploring the world of printmaking in galleries and museums. Many secondary schools have visited the Whitworth to look at the works on display feature the etchings and watercolours of Turner, the colourful textiles of Shirley Craven, the wide ranging pieces on view in the Everyday Art School and the textile and embroidery pieces of Jakkai Siributr. Opening on the 7th of March is the Women and Revolt show.

The Whitworth

The majority of schools have been using the “Exchanges” show which features a range of pieces inspired by natural forms. Pieces have been used to produce drawings and engravings to enhance GCSE work. Year 10 and 11 pupils from St Ambrose Barlow, Salford and St Annes, Middleton created engravings and mixed media pieces whilst year 12 students from Tytherington School in Macclesfield created engravings prior to a visit to Manchester art gallery.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the workshop and are super keen to continue in school. We will definitely be buying some silver cards for them! They were admiring their prints on the train on the way back and I heard a few good talks about the exhibitions they saw. Thank You again for the opportunity. It’s very good they learnt a skill that they can continue doing in the school too. We are planning on doing the workshop again next year!”

Tytherington School Outwood Academy

Working with Year 11 students over 2 days, Alan introduced students to engraving and chine colle printing. Pupils developed their GCSE studies into printing which will feed info their coursework and expand their use of media. Having visited in the autumn term, students were able to build on skills and enhance their printing.

Primary Printing.

St Joseph’ s Primary in Ramsbottom

Years 3-5 spent 2 days printing with Alan working on relief prints and engravings. Year3 produced relief prints on the theme of Pop art which will be mounted as presents for Mothers Day. Year 4 and 5 used the work of Matisse and Chagall to produce engravings and relief print

“You were inspirational and a natural with the children. We all send our thanks for 2 very enjoyable and creative days.”

Siobhan McLoughlin Year 3 teacher. Waterfoot Primary School, Rossendale

Year 4 pupils spent an afternoon producing drawings and engravings on the theme of life found along the tributaries of the River Irwell. Small details will be used to create a fencing panel to be located in the town centre.

St Sebastians Primary in Salford

Year 3-6 pupils spent two days producing drawings and prints on the theme of Laudato Si (the document produced by Pope Francis on the world and environmentalism) Some excellent relief prints based on green issues were produced by Year 3 and 4 whilst Years 5 and 6, illustrated the divides between rich and poor, transport issues etc

“ We are really pleased with the outcomes and look forward to seeing them once dried out. I will capture the children’s voice after the holidays and send you any relevant comments. Hopefully we can do some other projects in future and will definitely do them in classes.

Happy days and thanks a lot, Jannine.”

Jannine Platt. Deputy Head. St Stephens Primary in Burnley.

Year 4 pupils in. Burnley spent a creative day exploring the opportunities afforded by printmaking. Having studied the Great Plague in class they produced some excellent drawings which were turned into engraving. They really enjoyed engraving, inking and printing their own work on the portable press.

“ Thank you for coming in to visit us on Monday – the children had a great time and I am really proud of the work they have produced. It was great to see how enthusiastic the children were about the artwork and getting the opportunity to show their more creative sides!”

Andrew Byrom. Year 4 teacher.

Healey Dell Primary School.

Year 4 pupils explored the them of Mayan Art and Japan during a day spent printing with Alan. Drawings and engravings were produced on the theme which. For many this was their first taste of printing.

Age Friendly Classes

Members of the Age Friendly classes at the Whitworth explored the world of engraving, mixed media pieces and gelli printing at the gallery. The textile pieces of Shirley Craven, the prints of Paula Rego were used as starting points for the work

Prospect Studio prints.

Class members continue to work with Alan , producing their own prints. Etchings, collographs, and relief prints have been created as artist look to build their portfolios , exhibit and sell their work.