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Etching plate with image of two people sitting next to each other

Introduction to Etching

Duration: Two-week evening class
Dates: Wed 15 Jul 18:00 - Wed 22 Jul 2026 20:30
Location: Print Studio

Learn the basics of etching over two evenings.

Explore a variety of processes and leave with a small edition of prints. This class is suitable for people who want try out the basic etching process using small plates. 

You will learn how to prepare a metal plate for etching by filing and polishing, then applying a wax hard ground to the surface for drawing onto. A copper sulphate solution is used to etch the designs on the plate. 

You will spend time learning how to prepare the paper and ink up the plate to produce a small edition of prints using different colours of ink and Chine Colle.

Very interesting and informative. Tutor very knowledgeable and covered topic very well.

Great workshop! Learned a lot and had a good time.

Print Studio Terms & Conditions

Please ensure you've read the Print Studio Terms & Conditions before you book.
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Need to know

  • What to bring

All materials will be provided but please bring along sketchbooks, drawings or any images that you would like to use as reference/inspiration. If you’re not confident about drawing, then you can trace from a photograph. We can scan, photocopy or print out images for you.

  • What to wear

We'll provide aprons and gloves but recommend wearing old cloths as printmaking can be messy. Please note that open-toed footwear and sandals are not allowed in our Print Studio.

 

  • Food & drinks

A sealed water flask or drinking vessel is permitted but other food and drinks are not allowed in the studio.

Meet your tutor

Aoife Cawley sitting on a chair wearing a decorated cape and holding a yellow perspex shape

Aoife Cawley

Aoife is a printmaker and textiles artist from county Kildare. Graduating in 2024 with First Class Honours in Contemporary Art Practice from DJCAD, her work explores folklore, mythology, history, and early Christian saints, blending traditional medieval art forms with contemporary techniques.
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DCA Print Studio is supported by Garfield Weston Foundation

Garfield Weston Foundation logo in blue against white background