The Bluecoat Print Studio is a vibrant creative space at the heart of our building. Our open access studios are available to hire, and we offer a range of courses and workshops for all levels of experience.
Using our Studios
Accessing our print studios is easy!
You must have completed a print studios health and safety induction before booking any open access studio sessions without a technician present. You can book your induction here.
Our print studios are open Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm. If you need extra support a technician is present in the studios on Thursdays.
We run an open access studio, which means once you’ve completed an induction and are confident with using our studios and equipment independently then you can book a session.
Session prices are as follows:
- Technician Support Session (Thursdays only): £12 (A 2 hour session that includes a technician present for support in the print studios. If you are a beginner to printmaking, you should book a technician support session until you are confident using the print studios independently.)
- Half Day Session: £20 (A 4 hour morning (9am-1pm) or afternoon (1-5pm) session.)
- Full Day Session: £30 (An 8 hour full day session)
What’s included in the session price?
- Screens for use in the studios
- Screen cleaning materials
- Intaglio Inks & sundries
- Tape
- Scrap paper
- Newsprint
- Emulsion is also included on Thursdays when a technician is present (as it’s very expensive!)
What do I need to bring?
- Ink
- Printing medium
- Paper
- Emulsion (if you aren’t using the studios on Thursdays)
We also have a Bluecoat Artist Membership, which is optional and has some great perks for local printmakers.
Artist Membership
If you are an aspiring or active printmaker who would like to be part of a local printmaking community, consider becoming a Bluecoat Artist.
Your membership allows you to be at the heart of our creative community and offers some other incredible perks.
Student Artist Membership
Have you caught the printing bug and want to continue practicing printmaking outside of your university term time? Our student artist membership gives you even more perks and discounts.
The history of the Bluecoat Print Studio
There has been a printmaking facility at the Bluecoat since the late 1960s, initially concentrating on the process of etching but now encompassing a broader range of techniques.
Hiring the space
Get in touch to find out how you can use the space as part of your creative practice.
Email our Print Studio manager: ivy.m@thebluecoat.org.uk