'We had a wonderful couple of hours with Freya recently, learning how to linocut. She provided everything we needed and was incredibly patient, explaining each step clearly and in detail. We were all delighted with what we managed to create! It was a relaxed, creative and thoroughly enjoyable experience. I’d highly recommend Freya’s workshops.'

Course Description

At a glance, this course:

• Supports people's wellbeing
• Promotes low impact living​
• Uses natural materials

About the workshop

Linocut printing is a form of relief printmaking that dates back to the early 1900s. It uses linoleum (a biodegradable flat surface backed onto hessian) a popular material used as flooring. Tools called gouges are used to carve away parts the lino, then ink is rolled onto the surface of the block of lino and the design is pressed onto paper or fabric. Linocut printing one of the most popular types of printmaking and is an accessible introduction to the fun of printmaking.

In this workshop, you will learn some of the history of printmaking along with techniques used for creating different textures and patterns. Following creating your own design inspired by local flora and fauna and carving it into a lino block, you will print onto recycled card. All printmaking tools and materials will be provided but if you would like to create your design from a specific photo of wildlife or plants that you have taken in the area, please bring this along either printed or on your phone.

The course will give you:

• Understanding of the process of relief and linocut printing
• Your own linocut design inspired by local floral and fauna printed your design onto recycled card or paper to take home
• Understanding of how to make linocut printing as sustainable as possible

This course is suitable for:

Adults who would like to try this popular printmaking technique. No experience is necessary and you don't need to be an artist!

What to bring:

• Apron or clothes you don't mind getting ink on
• A photo of wildlife or plants that you have taken in your local area (optional)
• A packed lunch as the Beech Cafe will be closed at this time

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor

Freya Bassom is a multidisciplinary artist and printmaker from Hampshire, with a diploma in Art and Design from her time studying History of Art at UCL. She started linocut printing after trying it while studying Bookbinding, and fell in love with the possibilities for this technique.

Freya very interested in the natural world and the history of folklore and fairytales which is where she draws a lot of her inspiration from, and loves to play with the traditions of using block printing to illustrate the stories that we tell. Her work has been showcased in local exhibitions across Surrey and Hampshire.

She prints her designs as editioned prints, onto stationery, and upcycled second-hand clothes to give them a new lease of life. Freya's linocut prints are available to buy at local markets and online. Her work features collaborations with other artists, most notably with a jeweller creating a collection of jewellery by casting lino prints into silver.