Course Description

'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.'

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 that you will probably know from its original use as flooring) or other modern alternatives. 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. You will create your own design inspired by local flora and fauna and carve this design into a lino block, which 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:

• an understanding of the process of relief and linocut printing
•  the skills to make your own linocut print design inspired by local floral and fauna
• your printed design onto recycled card or paper
• the knowledge 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 packed lunch - the Beech cafe will not be open
• all materials you will need will be provided but if you have a specific photo of a wildlife or plants that you have taken in the local area, please bring this along to work from either printed or on your phone

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

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

Meet the tutor

I am a multidisciplinary artist and printmaker from Hampshire. I have a diploma in Art and Design and studied History of Art at UCL. Started linocut printing after trying it while I was studying Bookbinding, and fell in love with the possibilities for this technique.  I am very interested in the natural world and the history of folklore and fairytales which is where I draw a lot of my inspiration from, and love to play with the traditions of using block printing to illustrate the stories that we tell. I print my designs as editioned prints and onto stationery and upcycled second-hand clothes to give them a new lease of life. I sell my linocut prints at local markets and online, and have collaborated with other artists, most notably with a jeweller – we have made a collection of jewellery by casting lino prints into silver. I have shown my work in local exhibitions in Surrey and Hampshire. www.freyabassom.com