Ironbridge Fine Arts 2026 Printmaking Competition
Print • Share • Inspire
The 2026 Exhibition has Now Closed
4th July – 26th September 2026
The Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026 has now closed following an extraordinary exhibition of contemporary printmaking by artists from across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Bringing together an exceptional collection of original prints, the 2026 Open celebrated the creativity, technical excellence and innovation that continue to define contemporary printmaking.
From traditional intaglio and relief processes to experimental, digital and mixed-media techniques, the exhibition showcased the remarkable breadth of printmaking today and the artists continuing to push the medium forward.
→ Explore the 2026 Online Exhibition
About the 2026 Exhibition
The response to the 2026 competition was exceptional, with 913 entries received from printmakers around the world.
Following the selection process, 413 artists were chosen for the exhibition, including 242 artists from the UK and 171 international artists, creating a truly global celebration of contemporary printmaking.
The resulting exhibition brought together emerging and established artists working across an extraordinary range of printmaking processes, styles and approaches.
From finely executed traditional techniques to innovative contemporary practice, the exhibition highlighted both the enduring craftsmanship of printmaking and the exciting ways in which artists continue to develop and reinterpret printmaking processes.
We extend our sincere thanks to every artist who entered the 2026 competition. The quality, diversity and ambition of the submissions made the selection process both inspiring and incredibly challenging, with every entry contributing to another remarkable year for the Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open.
The Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open exists to celebrate excellence in printmaking practice — championing the art, honouring the craft and connecting a global community of artists through both traditional and contemporary approaches to the medium.
From studios using Gunning Etching Presses around the world to emerging and established printmakers pushing creative boundaries, the Open provides an important platform for artistic discovery, technical achievement and international dialogue.
Awards & Prizes
The Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026 recognised outstanding artistic achievement and technical excellence through a programme of awards and sponsored prizes.
Discover the 2026 award winners, prize categories and the organisations who supported this year’s Open.
Thank You
We would like to extend a huge thank you to every printmaker, judge, sponsor, visitor, collector and supporter who helped make the Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open 2026 such a success.
To the printmakers who entrusted us with their work, those who travelled to Ironbridge, everyone who visited the exhibition, those who discovered and supported artists online, and all those who purchased original prints. Thank you for being part of it.
The continued enthusiasm, talent and ambition of printmakers from across the UK and around the world are what make the Open such a special celebration of contemporary printmaking.
Thanks again for all your support.
The Ironbridge Printmaking Competition Team.
Our 2026 Judging Panel:
Our judging team comprises artists and professionals with lifelong knowledge, industry experience, and deep expertise in printmaking. Alongside an exceptional lineup of guest judges, this year’s panel brings a broad spectrum of artistic insight and perspective. They understand the craft from every angle – technical excellence, creative vision, and the standards that define outstanding printmaking. Together they will celebrate innovation and skill, recognising work that reflects both mastery and artistic ambition.
Key Dates
Collection of work – Between 2nd & 3rd October 2026 during gallery opening hours 10 am till 4 pm
Location for collections- Ironbridge Fine Arts, Dale End Village, TF8 7NJ
Can’t collect? Book our courier and pack service here.
Got a question or need help- Click Here
About the Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open
The Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open is an international celebration of contemporary and traditional printmaking, bringing together emerging and established artists from across the UK and worldwide.
Hosted by Ironbridge Fine Arts within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, the Open provides artists with the opportunity to exhibit within a professionally curated exhibition while connecting with a wider audience of collectors, printmakers, galleries, and industry professionals.
Selected works will be featured within both the physical exhibition and online exhibition, alongside inclusion in the official printed exhibition catalogue. The exhibition culminates in a public Exhibition Opening and Private View event featuring artist talks, live demonstrations, networking opportunities, and prize presentations.
The competition celebrates excellence across a broad range of printmaking disciplines and welcomes artists working in both traditional and experimental approaches, including:
• Etching
• Drypoint
• Mezzotint
• Photogravure & Photo-Etching Processes
• Collagraph & Carborundum
• Relief Printing including Linocut and Woodcut
• Monotype & Monoprint
• Lithography & Mokulito
• Viscosity Printing
• Letterpress
• Screenprinting
• Cyanotype
• Gyotaku
• Botanical Transfer Printing
• Mixed Media & Printmaking Collage
The Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Open continues to champion innovation, craftsmanship, and the enduring relevance of printmaking within contemporary art practice.
A huge shout out to our Incredible Sponsors
The support of our prize sponsors plays a vital role in making the competition a truly prestigious international event. Their contribution helps recognise and reward artistic excellence, celebrate the highest standards of contemporary printmaking, and inspire artists at every stage of their careers. Through their support, we are able to showcase exceptional talent and promote the art of printmaking to an international audience.
Catalogues & Goodies
