A 2-day course that will introduce you to the technique of lithography through the use of alternative, non toxic processes that can be easily replicated at home.

→ Sat 17 + Sat 24 May 2025

Level: Beginner / Refresher

Tutor: Laura Bianchi

Times: Beginner: 10AM - 4PM

What to Bring: Bring lunch, a notebook and any source material you’d like to work from. Wear old clothes as you may get inky

What’s included: All materials are provided

Where: Art Hub Studios, Unit 2b, Building 28, Westminster Industrial Estate, Woolwich, SE18 5TF

Lithography is a traditional printmaking technique based on the antipathy between grease and water. The technique dates back to the late eighteenth century. Since then, the traditional lithographic matrix has been limestone. With time, other supports have been found to respond very well to the technique: metal plates, wood (Mokulito), aluminum foil (kitchen litho) and lino, just to mention a few. Lithography is a very versatile technique, particularly great for mark making and drawing.

During the course we will explore the possibilities of lithography by using alternative non toxic processes such as lemon etch (aka kitchen litho) and lithography on lino (aka lithino). Throughout these processes, you will learn the main principles of lithography, the materials involved and how to prepare, develop and print a lithographic matrix.

On day 1 you will be introduced to the techniques and materials (dry and wet mediums). You will learn how to prepare, and develop a lino and a lemon etch plate. As the course is happening over 2 Saturdays, you will have the opportunity to do some work at home.

Day 2 will be dedicated to the printing process.

The course is suitable for beginners and for people that are familiar with traditional litho but would like to experiment with alternative processes.

The course will cover:

→ Plates preparation

→ Experimenting with the lithographic mediums: crayon, touches, inks and alternative materials

→ Developing and etching the plates

→ Inking up: preparing the ink; how to ink up a lithographic plate; how to build up an image

→ Paper preparation

→ Printing: printing using a press and printing by hand

About Laura Bianchi:

Laura is a visual artist and illustrator whose practice is predominantly based on drawing. She holds a BA in sculpture from the Accademia di Brera, Milan, Italy and an MA in printmaking from Camberwell College of Arts, London. Laura has extensive experience as a workshop facilitator for children and young people. Between 2017 and 2018 she taught stone lithography at Slaughterhaus print studio, after being awarded a one-year membership at their studio. Laura's first encounter with etching goes back to 2007; she has been experimenting with the technique since then.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you cancel 7 days or more before the course begins, we will provide a full refund minus a £10 admin fee. If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date of the course no refund will be given.

All our courses run on a minimum number of participants. If we do not reach the minimum number of participants for the course we unfortunately have to cancel. We will notify you 7 days before the start date and you will receive a full refund or we can transfer over to another date.

Participants must be over the age of 18.

Art Hub Studio members get 10% discount