This is a call to artists to enter their work into the first Ironbridge Fine Arts Print Open. Printmaking has been entwined in our culture and social development for many centuries. During that time many printmaking techniques have evolved. Printmaking is not an easy area and many artists over the years have experimented relentlessly to discover exciting and different ways of working.
Over forty years ago Dave Gunning designed and started to manufacture the ‘Gunning Presses’ enabling artists to print in many different ways. Suddenly the same machine could print an etching, then a lino, then a woodcut, these are but a few of the possibilities. Thousands of his printing machines are now out in schools, colleges, art centres, museums, and in private studios. The Gunnings have run hundreds of workshops in schools and colleges which have promoted printmaking to all ages over the last four decades.
Our Annual Printmaking Open Competition shines a spotlight on all the different printmaking techniques both traditional and modern and allows us to celebrate the very best in printmaking today. All successful applicants will be included in a 10-week Exhibition located at our beautiful gallery built in the 1890s by the Coalbrookdale company (founded by Abraham Darby), located in the Ironbridge UNESCO World Heritage site. All exhibiting artists will also be automatically included in a virtual exhibition.
We invite submissions from Printmakers throughout the United Kingdom and we are very pleased to announce the submissions are now open. Please read our terms and conditions prior to submitting your application.
A judging panel will select all successful artwork for the physical exhibition in September 2023 held at Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge. Competition winners will be announced during the exhibition opening held on the 9th of September.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors for your support and prizes! We are so delighted to work with you and include you in this exciting venture!
• Maximum 6 entries using any printmaking process, maximum framed size 500 x 500mm
• Entry fee is £20 per artwork • To enter please click on the submit link below. • All applications must be completed prior to 16th July 5pm 2023
• Please read terms and conditions prior to entering
• Click on the Enter Now image (right) or here to Enter Now
Online applications close – 16th July 2023 5 pm
Announcement of work chosen for the exhibition – 21st July 2023
Hand in of works for exhibition – 1st and 2nd September – 10 am to 5 pm at Ironbridge Fine Arts, Shropshire, TF8 7NJ
Private View with Announcement of Prizes Winners – 9th September 6 pm till 9 pm
Exhibition open to public – 12th September till 18th November
Collection of work – Between 23rd to 25th November during gallery opening hours 10 am till 5 pm
Etching Printing Press No. 2
by Gordon Yapp, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Etching Printing Press No.1
by Fiona Thomson
