“I’m 52 and live in the Conwy Valley in North Wales. Originally a graphic designer, I ran a successful new media agency for 22 years before moving here from Cheshire. I’m lucky enough to be retired from my ‘day job’ now, so printmaking is something I’m able to concentrate more on these days. I live with my wife and stepdaughter in a beautiful part of North Wales, so there’s plenty of inspiration all around me.”
“I studied Graphic Design at College and Uni, so Printmaking was part of the curriculum. I remember really liking the process, particularly linocut. Which is what I concentrate on now. Plus, the experience I gained in print design in my early career gave me an appreciation of colour separation and art working, which definitely comes into play with my printmaking.”
“I produce short run multi-layer reduction linocut prints. Mainly landscapes, inspired by my own original photographs. I tend to stick to Caligo Safewash inks and print on Somerset papers. I usually aim for between 10 and 20 finished prints.”
“Well up until recently printmaking has been a hobby really, but I’m able to spend more time on it now.”
“I’ve recently started a new series based on stone – standing stones, bolders etc that I’ve come across in the local landscape. The textures are fascinating, and the locations are stunning. I’ve finished one print and working on 2 more right now, with plans for many more. There’s an endless supply of material in the locality.”
“I’d like to get them entered into printmaking exhibitions, and maybe even show them as a series eventually.”
“I’ve also booked a photogravure course with Ironbridge Printmakers. I’ve been interested in it for a while, so it’ll be great to learn something new and expand my printmaking skills with Jenny.”
Why did you feel a Gunning Etching press was the best fit for you and your artwork?“I’d spent a good number of years using a basic wind-down press and a small craft press, which were ok, but I wanted to produce larger prints on a ‘proper’ press. I researched quite a few, but the Gunning press seemed to tick all the boxes and it looks fantastic too.”
“I spent 3 months converting an old wooden stable in my garden to be my studio. It’s a great space and the Gunning press is perfect in there.”
“The massive wheel! It’s so easy to use, and the consistency I can achieve with the press is perfect. I also opted for the stand with wheels, which means I can push the press to one side when not in use, which is also very handy.”
Most printmakers have a name for their press, does your Gunning etching press have a nickname?“Er, not really, haha. I hadn’t thought to do that to be honest, maybe I should think of one now!”
“Just do it, you won’t regret it. Don’t settle for anything inferior, the quality of these presses is excellent.”
To see more off Andy’s work you can find him at…
https://www.artfinder.com/artist/andy-abram
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
“I have been looking for a press for years that would fit into a domestic space – ie not to heavy. I visited Ironbridge on the off chance whilst visiting my mother who lives in the nearing town of Bridgnorth. I came across Jenny at Ironbridge fine arts and the most gorgeous Gunning Etching press, it was a perfect solution to my needs – a strong large press that can be taken apart easily and is not to heavy.”
“One thing that drew me to the press straight away and will always be my favourite feature on my press is the massive large round wheel it’s so stylish and practical I love it. I would definitely recommend it as an upgrade option”
“I studied Printmaking at university in the late 90s and have been printmaking in some way or other since then, I think it’s fair to say I fell in love with printmaking. As an artist and printmaker with over 20 years experience of making and exhibiting work. I am based in Lancaster in the Northwest of England working from my own studio and also teaching regularly in print rooms around the country.”
“I would describe my work as messy, scratchy lines and lively compositions of birds jumping out of the plates, aiming to capture the frantic movement and energy. Mainly with intaglio printmaking methods preferring Collagraph and metal plate etchings. My work always starts with drawing and the technical challenge of turning a simple piece of metal or card into a piece of art. “
“She is called Gillian – after Gillian Anderson”
“The press is a great work horse and perfect for relief of intaglio prints – all the sizes and extras mean you can build a perfect solution for your individual studio – ie with a stand and lockable wheels or without – affordable prices too compared to other makes.”
“I love my press and it has given me the total freedom to work in my own studio, I only wish I had a larger space and then I could get a Number 4 XL.”
“Jenny’s work is original and so striking, her technical ability as a printmaker and her imagery is excellent. She is also prolific in her making and each piece is beautiful in its own right. A brilliant printmaker!” Said Jenny Gunning
Jenny is fabulous printmake we can’t wait to see more of her work and watch her continue to grow as a printmaker. she is lucky enough to have won £150.00 worth of printmaking materials from ourselves.
To see more off Jenny’s work you can find her on instagram as @jenny.mccabe or browse her website https://www.jennymccabe.co.uk/
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
Shrewsbury high school are the latest and luckiest owners of a Gunning etching press No.2!
Dave, a member of our team delivered and trained Shrewsbury High’s staff members on how to assemble, set up and print on their brand new Gunning etching press.
The students at Shrewsbury high school have decided their Gunning etching press needed its own personal nickname. Students and staff set up a competition suggesting different names until the name ‘Papilon printing press’ was picked.
Students and staff have been so excited to print on Papilon, they have been and visited us here in Ironbridge for an Etching workshop were they learnt how to etch with specialist printmaker Jenny. A group of 5 students spent the day learning how to etch into metal creating their own steel plates.
Students at Shrewsbury High have and are continuing to create some beautiful prints in their own print studio at Shrewsbury high using the printmaking processes taught to them from our team here at Ironbridge printmakers.
We are so excited to see what they continue to print.
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
Located in the heart of Shropshire, our large printmaking workshop has been designed to allow artists to print Intaglio, lino, dry point, relief, woodblock and photo etchings. We have a range of Gunning Arts Printing Etching Presses set up and ready to use allowing you to print up to 57 x 38 inches!
Whether your simply looking for an inspirational space to come and create or you need support and guidance we can tailor a package for you. The workroom is suitable for individuals or groups, fully wheelchair accessible and can be rented from one hour through to 2 weeks. For customers looking for a rental space on a regular basis we discount rental to ensure it is cost effective. We have a beautiful outdoor seating area with incredible views of the river severn which our customers love for drawing workshops or just to get some inspiration! 
Facilities include:
Further further information and availability please contact us on 01952 434033
Etching Printing Press No. 2
by Gordon Yapp, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Etching Printing Press No.1
by Fiona Thomson
