In this lecture, artist-printmaker Anne Desmet RA explores the art and craft of wood engraving, drawing on over four decades of experience working in the medium.

Based on insights from her recent book Wood Engraving: A Personal Approach, the talk introduces both traditional engraving techniques and contemporary creative approaches.

The session examines how artists prepare wood blocks, handle and sharpen engraving tools, and translate imagery into engraved compositions.

Alongside historical context and examples from influential engravers such as Thomas Bewick and Eric Ravilious, the lecture also presents Desmet’s own innovative methods. These include combining wood engraving with linocut, stencil and mixed media techniques, experimenting with unusual printing surfaces, and incorporating digital processes to transform engraved imagery into new abstract compositions.

Through illustrated examples and practical insights, the lecture offers an accessible introduction to this historic printmaking practice while demonstrating its continued relevance for contemporary artists.

The session is suitable for beginners, art enthusiasts and anyone interested in printmaking, offering a deeper understanding of the creative possibilities of wood engraving.

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What is Wood Engraving? 

Wood engraving is a traditional printmaking technique in which an image is carved into the end grain of a block of hardwood using specialist tools. Known for its ability to produce fine detail, contrast and precision, the method has been used by artists for centuries to create detailed prints and illustrations.

About the Lecturer

Anne Desmet RA is an artist-printmaker specialising in wood engraving, linocut and collaged print, often focusing on architectural and metamorphosing subjects.

She has received more than forty awards for her work and is represented in museum collections around the world, with over fifty solo exhibitions including numerous shows at national and international museums.

Desmet is the author of eight books on printmaking and drawing and served as editor of Printmaking Today magazine from 1998 to 2013.

Her commissions include engravings for the British Museum, National Gallery, British Library, V&A, Sotheby’s and the Royal Mint.

In 2018 she became only the third wood engraver ever elected to membership of the Royal Academy of Arts. She was also elected an Honorary Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford University, for distinction in the world of art.

Her work continues to be exhibited internationally, including a major solo exhibition at the Escher in the Palace museum in The Hague.

Visit the Firstsite Café before or after the lecture!

Our café’s offers a wide selection of delicious snacks, cakes and light meals, along with hot and cold drinks which can also be purchased to enjoy.

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