The well-used, welcoming studio at Sheffield Print Club is a work of art in itself.
Based in a former barn, in a tight courtyard a stone’s throw from St. Mary’s Church, the print club is an instantly absorbing space. From it’s damned-appealing sign above the barn doors, to the rows of drying racks (often occupied by colourful recently-created works) which greet you as you enter. On the walls there are examples of beautiful work which was printed, pressed and produced in years gone by, while the shelves, packed with varying hues of colourful inks in little pots, hint at what is yet to come.
Even the sink, subjected to many years of inadvertent splatterage, is aesthetically pleasing.
But don’t go to Sheffield Print Club to look at the sink. Instead, why not get involved with one of the many workshops which take place throughout the year. Aimed at everyone from intrigued beginners to those wishing to develop their skills, the workshops are led by experienced artists and cover a range of screen printing techniques. Participants of the workshop get a month’s free trial membership of the club.
The club, set up by expert printers Jane and Lawrence in 2014, has an active membership, with artists from across the city using the facilities to make new work. Screen printing invariably uses equipment which takes up a lot of space, so the idea behind the club is for artists to share the kit, collaborate with each other and support newbies at the same time. Once you become a member (£30 per year), studio hire is just £5 per hour, plus materials. Members can get access to the studio at a time which suits them, with a print technician always on hand to help out and offer advice.
Sheffield Print Fair, which is usually held in late autumn at neighbouring St Mary’s Church, is a fantastic chance to see some of the work that's produced at the club. There are dozens of stalls, manned by artists and designers from across the city and beyond, all selling printed wares.
Sheffield Print Club features in a short film we made with Sheffield Hallam Uni, alongside a bunch of the city's other top cultural attractions – watch below.
- Words by
- Will Roberts
- Images by
- Will Roberts
