Pioneering inventor inspires new art workshops in Lancaster and Morecambe

Workshops inspired by the work of an artist whose invention brought art to the masses from a factory in Lancaster begin this April.

Karel Klic invented photogravure printing, a process for reproducing high quality images, which was developed thanks to his partnership with Lancaster-based company, Storey Brothers. Together, they established the Rembrandt Intaglio Printing Company.

A century on since Klic’s death, Lancashire-based arts and heritage charity, Mirador have launched a year-long project entitled Copy That funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It includes a series of free workshops open to the public as well as schools and other groups.

The first - Art Reproducing Art, with an Aura of Tradition -  takes place on April 25 at Morecambe Riso Press CIC at The Good Things Collective building on Northumberland Street in Morecambe.

Collage artist Rosie Tacon-Glass and Riso printing expert, Charlotte Done will lead participants through the creative processes and printing on the Risograph which looks like a photocopier and works in a similar way to screen printing.

This workshop is open to anyone aged 18 plus, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience is necessary and all materials are provided though an apron or suitable old clothing should be worn and participants should take a packed lunch.

Fifteen free places are available but must be booked in advance HERE.

On August 22, another free workshop, focused on alternative photographic printmaking, takes place at Morecambe Library.

Marge Bradshaw will lead the Cyanotype workshop where participants will learn how to take photographs without a camera.

Cyanotype prints will be created during the day and a guide to continue producing prints at home will be provided as will materials. An overall or old clothes should be worn.

This workshop is open to anyone aged 18 plus and no experience is necessary. Booking is essential as only 12 places are available. Book HERE.

East Meets West Refugee Women’s Group and young people involved with Lancashire Youth Challenge will be given the opportunity to hone their Smartphone photography skills during workshops in May, led by photographer and Beyond Radio presenter, Ginny Koppenhol.

And artist Lela Harris will run Creative Collage and Photocopy Workshops with pupils at Dallas Road Primary and Lancaster Girls Grammar Schools this spring. Their completed artworks will feature in Mirador’s Copy That community exhibition in November.

These and further workshops have been organised by Copy That’s engagement officer, Steve Fairclough who will also be hosting Coffee Break Copy That! friendly sketching and chatting sessions via Zoom. All abilities are welcome to these simple still life sessions, just paper and pencil/pen required. The first session on May 5 from 11am-11.40am can be found HERE followed by another on May 20 from 3-3.40pm HERE.

All the events and activities are part of the Copy That - The Revolution in Photomechanical Printing project. For information and updates, visit HERE and Mirador’s social media.