Printmaking Studio Hire on The Isle of Bute

My garden studio is available for hire for independent printmaking sessions. Whether you are a local artist without access to a printmaking press, or a visiting printmaker who wants to keep working during your stay, or a former workshop participant who wants to build on what you’ve learned, you’re welcome to come in and use the space.

What’s Available

The studio is equipped with a Hawthorn 545 etching press suitable for etching, linocut, dry point, monoprint and collagraph. It can print up to A2 size sheet comfortably. The press bed length is 74cm. There are professional brayers in a variety of sizes in excellent condition and a full set of Hawthorn Stay Open Inks, linseed gel, etc. The studio is set up for monotype, monoprint and collagraph work. I’m onsite and happy to answer questions though these sessions are structured for independent working rather than structured tuition.

Standard hours are 10-4 pm with flexible arrangements available if needed.

Who is this for?

• Local Printmakers without access to their own press or printmaking facilities

• Visiting Artists seeking to explore their practice in our beautiful island setting

• Former workshop participants looking to continue developing skills acquired in Carol's classes

• Creative Individuals wanting to work alongside like-minded artists in an inspiring environment

Studio Induction

If you haven't attended a workshop within the past 3 months, a brief induction is required before your first independent session. This covers use of the equipment, studio layout and health and safety. It is straightforward and designed to make you feel confident in the space from the start.

A note on independent working

I'm happy for confident, experienced printmakers to work independently without ongoing input from me — and the rates below reflect that. However, I do reserve the right to assess this on the day. If I feel that someone would benefit from more guidance — whether for safety reasons or to get the best out of their session — I'll always have that conversation kindly and honestly. You should also feel free to speak up if you feel you might need a little bit of extra support until you feel fully confident to be left to work independently.

My priority is that everyone leaves having had a productive and enjoyable experience, and sometimes that means a little more involvement from me than was originally planned is required. Any adjustment to the session cost will always be discussed and agreed before it's applied.

Rates

These apply per person hiring the space and are limited to two people at any one time. f you'd prefer to have the studio to yourself, just let me know when you book.

• Half Day (3 hours) - £10.00 per 3-hour session

• Full Day (6 hours) - £20.00 per 6-hour session

• Independent studio time including occasional guidance - £25 per half day

• Materials excluding paper: Inks, cleaning materials, gloves, sundries - £5 per half or full day

Printmaking papers and other materials (mountboard, printmaking papers, acid-free tissue, newsprint) are available for purchase. You’re also welcome to bring your own.

Materials Ordering Service

I order most of my printmaking supplies from Hawthorn Printmaking Supplies and papers from RK Burt. If you would like to add anything to my next order, you’re welcome to piggyback onto it. Shipping costs are shared which makes small orders more affordable.

Stocked Materials

Book a session

Email me directly to arrange a session or book an induction. Let me know what you’re hoping to work on, when you’d like to come and whether it is the first time in the studio.

I have full public liability insurance through the Artists Information Company - AN.