Join Carl Montford, an accomplished wood engraver and iron handpress wizard, for a very hands-on weekend learning wood engraving, Saturday & Sunday Feb. 1st and 2nd, 2020 at the School of Visual Concepts. With a theme of insects, you will engrave an original illustration or get inspiration from Carl’s collection of historical engravings. Then, on Sunday, you’ll team-print your finished engraving using SVC’s oldest letterpress, a 19th century Reliance iron handpress. No drawing or printing expertise is necessary. Loaner engraving tools and all materials will be provided, as well as a supply list should you wish to purchase your own engraving tools. Here’s a bit of what will be covered:
- Learn about the history and significance of wood engraving
- View many fine examples of engravings
- Transfer an image onto the block for engraving
- How to use wood engraving tools
- Learn pros and cons of different block materials
- Print on the iron handpress
Carl Montford is the proprietor of Montford Press in West Seattle, one of the few limited edition handpress shops in the Northwest. His area of expertise is wood engraving, which he has been perfecting since about 1970. Along with hand engraving, Carl is also regarded as an expert on the iron handpress having produced both broadsides and limited edition chapbooks. His most cherished possession in his shop is a Wm. A. Field Reliance handpress, an antique and an object of great artistic beauty in its own right.
Sign up for this can’t miss wood engraving workshop in Seattle at the School of Visual Concepts!
