New improved Hot Bed Press

updated 17th August 2010

We are proud to announce that we now have 11 new studios on the top floor of The Casket Works, with thanks to the generous support of central Salford Urban Regeneration Company. Brand new spaces, and upgraded lighting and electrics make this a great addition to Hot Bed Press and I am pleased to say that they are almost full already. 

There is one shared space available at £75.00 a month, (9'6" x 12'6").

On the first floor there is a remarkable difference as we have taken out 4 spaces and opened up the room as you enter Hot Bed creating a much lighter area for courses and general use.

A BIG THANKS go to all the members who supported the workshop on our painting party on 7th & 8th August. 12 people gave up their time to paint the studios upstairs and also to paint the ceiling on the first floor that has also made a huge difference. over the coming weeks we are moving around furniture and moving the office to become a reception office as you come in, plus lots more refinements to make the place more welcoming and brighter.

We are also planning to take over an additional space through next door expanding our print studio by another half again, (637 sq. ft.). This has been made possible by Cow Lane Studios working with us to let us have some extra space. We will be knocking through and opening up the studios to create a dedicated etching studio. This should be happening over the next few weeks as well. we are just waiting for the council to remove a chimney in the skylight and we will be knocking through.

All in all this will double our space and create a bigger and better printmaking experience for members and course goers. Over the next few months we will be pulling out all the stops to make Hot Bed Press even better and hope to bring you more news of expanded activities and opportunities.

The £50 print sale, which opened on Saturday 26th June, has continues and has now raised over £1,500 for extra equipment for our expanded print studio. We have bought a large screen bed and are in the process of buying other new equipment to enhance the studio, including letterpress items. There is more to come soon too. 

We welcome anyone to come and look around our new improved studio.

Sean Rorke - Artistic Director

Summer is almost over

Bring on Winter?

72 people attended the regular programme this Summer, as well as 22 people on the Summer School for Teachers. The place really has a Summer buzz about it.  

Our last course runs next weekend. 

Hydro-Plate Printing - Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd August [11.00am - 5.00pm]

The course will be run by Nick Mobbs (R.A.). Nick has really perfected this wonderful new technique, which gives a subtle tonal range to etching more than traditional photo-etching, and yet retains the ability to work over the plates with regular etching techniques.

There is one place remaining on this course; (as of 17th August).

As usual we have also had to squeeze in extra courses to meet demand, and have now confirmed Poster Printing, and Photo-screenprinting in September, and are hoping to confirm an extra Rudiments of Letterpress course as well. For more details see the courses section of our website.

We are already working on the Winter programme which promises to be as packed as ever, especially with enough space now to run 2 courses alongside one another. We expect the next programme to be fully planned and confirmed by mid-September, when we will be introducing courses such as Waterless Lithography and Advanced Letterpress.

and a word for our sponsors

We are very pleased to have the support of Intaglio printmaker and F.J. Ratchfords book arts suppliers as our two sponsors of the education programme at Hot Bed Press. These two prestigious partners will be helping us in the way of specialist materials for courses and outreach/education throughout 2010.

To have these two respected companies supporting us is a great boost to Hot Bed Press and brings a kudos with it that recognizes our role in supporting printmakers and book artists both in the region and nationally. 

We now have over 300 people attending our courses throughout the year as well as groups of students and guest groups benefiting from our knowledge and expertise. 

This partnership will once again help raise our standards and improve provision of the best materials, which we are proud to say are all inclusive on every course.

Supporting Printmaking and Book Arts

We also expect to announce further exciting developments in working with our two partners in the New Year, including special promotions and projects to be announced.