Exhibition sees 'print-spiration' on show at Radley College gallery

THE OXFORD Printmakers Co-operative have brightened up a gallery with lots of beautiful pictures for a new exhibition.

The new exhibition, called 'Print-spiration' launched on November 6 at the Sewell Centre Gallery at Radley College and will run until November 26.

There are 72 pieces of art in the show that have been made by 33 artists who are part of the Oxford Printmakers Co-operative - a group run by people passionate about print making.

Printmaking is an art form that blends creativity and technical skill. It is an ancient artistic practice, the earliest known example is a woodblock print on silk dating back to the Han Dynasty in China (206 BC to 220 AD).

OPC love it so much they run a Fine Art Print workshop, based in East Oxford, which is one of the oldest printmaking workshops in the UK.

Other courses run by them include: linocutting, woodcutting, wood engraving, etching, monoprinting, screen-printing and stone lithography.

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The group was formed in 1977 by a group of ex-Ruskin School of Art students and staff - it's since seen hundreds of artists come through its doors.

As it is, there are 100 members that use the club for access to state-of-the-art art facilities.

In 2020, the group relied on emergency Covid funding from Oxford City Council to stay afloat.

That money has helped them put on this show and welcome in guests to take a peak at what they've been doing in the studio.

Organiser and senior technician at Oxford Printmakers Catriona Brodribb said: "We were not sure, as with many things if this exhibition would go ahead because of lockdown.

"We had a well attended viewing on the opening night and I think it is because people wanted to get out and engage with the world again."

She added: "An arts culture greatly enriches society whether it is music, drama or art it greatly enhances our life. If we have a life without that then it is pretty bleak."

Artists who will be showcasing their work include Ms Brodribb, Christina Taylor Smith, Gabriele Kern and Richard Stephens will feature at the exhibition.

The exhibition is open for another week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 1pm-5pm at the Sewell Centre Gallery.

Prints from the show:

Oxford Mail: Catriona Brodribb Catriona Brodribb