The Big Press

Our studio boasts one the largest etching presses in the Southern Hemisphere, with a bed size measuring 240 x 132cm (96” x 52”).

Make your own large-scale prints

The Big Press is available use on either a daily or 5-day basis for qualified artists to develop a new body of large-scale unique prints and experimental works on paper. Artists can either bring their own prepared plates or explore non-toxic techniques such as painterly monotypes, woodcuts, drypoints, stencils and collagraphs.

Artists new to printmaking can work with Master-Printer Jenny Robinson to create huge original fine art prints. Jenny works almost exclusively with Japanese papers and can tutor the artist in the traditional skills of seaming and backing techniques, bringing old-world skills into more experimental and contemporary working practices.

Printmaking experience on a large press is essential to work independently in our studio. If you have a project you would like to realise on a grand scale please contact us and supply us with the following information to help us assess how best to support you in accomplishing your goals:

  • An overview of your intended project (approximately 100 words) 

  • A short bio, with special attention to your printmaking experience. 

  • Up to 5 images of your previous work  

  • A reference that demonstrates your experience in working on etching presses

Pricing

Daily rate:  $220

Weekly rate (5 days):  $900

Days can be taken consecutively from Tuesday to Sunday (studio is closed Mondays), or over a one month period from date of purchase.

Mandatory initial Orientation: $50

Master printer: Price on request.

Deposit/bond: $350, due in advance, refunded upon completion, less any costs required to cover damage to blankets or other equipment.

Terms and Conditions

  • Initial orientation is mandatory.

  • We can arrange for experienced interns to help you print, who you will pay directly.  

  • If you are not a fully experienced in printmaking on a large press, we offer refresher sessions with Jenny Robinson (price upon request).

  • Jenny Robinson or an intern will also always be in attendance whilst the artist is printing for health and safety reasons.

  • We expect the studio to be left in a clean and orderly manner at the end of every day. If you are printing on consecutive days you may leave belongings out, but all inks and surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly. Printing must stop ½ hour before the studio closes in order to clean up.

  • Studio hours are 9.00am to 6.00pm Tuesday to Sunday. We are closed on Monday unless otherwise arranged.

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We provide:

  • Black ink 

  • Tartlan 

  • Brayers 

  • Rags

  • Newsprint

  • Tissue paper

  • Solvents 

  • Monotype plates

  • Paper towels

  • Cleanup supplies

  • Tea/coffee

You Provide:

  • Paper

  • Inks

  • Aprons

  • Disposable Gloves 

  • General tools

  • Artists are welcome to order supplies in advance to be delivered to the studio before their residency commences. 

Available for Purchase:

  • Surplus black Ink

  • Limited choice of papers

  • Inks (with prior arrangement)

  • Drypoint plates