The Leicester Print Workshop’s new premises in the cities Cultural Quarter are to open to the public this weekend.
The new Leicester Print Workshop premises will ensure artists who use print in their work will have access to a fully equipped printmaking studio which houses etching presses, lithography presses, relief presses, letterpresses and silk screen beds. This was all due to a £1,000,000 investment.
The new building, located in the centre of the city will also provide a learning space for visiting school and community groups, as well as artists looking to develop their skills. The exhibition space will host a rolling programme of print related exhibitions focusing on making as well as the finished article.
Leicester Print Workshop is a charity and Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, it was founded in 1986. One of a network of printmaking studios across the UK, Leicester Print Workshop works in partnership with other Arts Council funded studios and private print workshops to promote, sustain and advance printmaking practice.
The new premises were made possible due to a collaboration between Leicester Print Workshop, Leicester City Council and Arts Council England as well as other funders. The major refurbishment project which was designed by T-SA Architects has taken 5000 square foot of 1970s warehouse and turned it into 8,000 square feet of studio, education and exhibition space.
On Tuesday November 3, the workshops trustees as well as local dignitaries attended a small launch and reception to look around the new premises. Guests included Darren Henley OBE, the CEO of Arts Council England and Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby.
Lucy Phillips, Director of Leicester Print Workshop said: “Creating a new Printmaking Workshop for Leicester has been a very fulfilling experience for us. From designing our ultimate space to choosing our architects, from consulting with our artists to growing relationships with our key partners, everyone has understood the importance of a fit for purpose, making space.
“We are delighted with our new home, with all it will allow us to provide for artists, enthusiasts, learners and to support printmaking practice.
“It has taken over 3 ½ years from making our first decision to find a new premises to opening our doors in November 2015 and all the way through funders, partners, our artists and local people have collaborated with us contributing money, ideas and time and where we are now, with an exemplary printmaking studio is the result of that partnership and shared aspiration.”
From 2pm to 5pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November the Leicester Print Workshop will be opening its doors to the public to showcase an exhibition of work made at the workshop as well as a tour of the studio and printmaking demonstrations. Visitors will also be able to view ‘Constellation’ a collaboration artwork made with children and young people from Leicester.
