Belfast Print Workshop Virtual Tour
European Heritage Open Day 2023
Welcome to Belfast Print Workshop's celebration of the European Heritage Open Day (EHOD) 2023, where art, culture, and history converge to offer you a unique and immersive experience like never before. As we open our virtual doors to the world, we invite you to explore the heart of printmaking in Belfast from the comfort of your own home.
At Belfast Print Workshop, we've always been devoted to preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of Northern Ireland. Our commitment to art and culture is deeply rooted in our DNA. EHOD provides us with a remarkable opportunity to share our passion for art, history, and creativity with a global audience.
This looping video offers a panoramic view of the Belfast Print Workshop's exterior on Waring Street. The camera rotates to capture the building's architecture and entrance, followed by a view of the nearby Merchant Hotel. The video then showcases the Cotton Court building, and adjacent 2Taps Winebar.
Experience the heart of creativity at the Belfast Print Workshop, located on the 3rd floor of the iconic Cotton Court building on Waring Street, Belfast. Our 360-degree rotating video takes you inside this vibrant artistic hub, where innovation meets tradition.
As the camera rotates, you'll be introduced to the workshop's diverse collection of equipment, each a testament to the artistry that flourishes within these walls:
Victorian Albion Relief Press (tympan) - 98 x 66 cm
Victorian Albion Relief Press (tympan) - 83 x 64 cm
Modbury top-sprung press - 91 x 183 cm
Harry F Rochat double geared press - 66 x 127 cm
Harry F Rochat double geared press - 53 x 94 cm
Harrold & Sons Fleet Works litho press - 81 x 123 cm
Modbury Hotplates - 50 x 66 cm
Walton Treadle Guillotine
Litho stones ranging from 30 x 38 cm to 72 x 95 cm
The Harry F. Rochat Double Geared Bench Model Press, also known as the Rochat Press, is an iconic piece of printmaking history. Invented by Swiss craftsman Harry F. Rochat in the 1950s, this press revolutionised printmaking by introducing a unique double-gear mechanism that ensured precise and consistent pressure on printing plates.
The Rochat Press quickly gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and reliability. Artists and printmakers embraced it for its ability to faithfully reproduce intricate details, making it an essential tool in creating fine art prints.
Today, the Rochat Press is a cherished relic in the world of printmaking, symbolising the fusion of artistry and technology.
The Harry F. Rochat Double Geared Free Standing Model Press, a substantial 66 x 127 cm in size, takes a central place in the Belfast Print Workshop. This larger press represents an evolution of the earlier bench model, catering to artists' needs for a spacious and versatile platform.
Built with sturdy cast iron side frames, the press can withstand immense pressures required for Intaglio printing. It has played a pivotal role in shaping countless artistic creations within the workshop, embodying the fusion of craftsmanship and engineering. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Rochat's legacy and contributions to the art of printmaking.
Welcome to the Belfast Print Workshop's Screen Room – conveniently located just next door to the main workshop. This dynamic space is dedicated entirely to the art and craft of screen printing, housing a range of state-of-the-art equipment.
As the camera sweeps through a panoramic view, you'll discover the following screen printing equipment:
Natgraph Screen Process Table - 167 x 112 cm
Kippax Screen Process Table - 123 x 171 cm
Kippax Screen Process Table - 110 x 155 cm
Natgraph U.V. Exposure Unit - 126 x 170 cm
Lightbox & Drying Cabinet - 172 x 186 cm
Kippax UV – LED Photo Exposure Unit
Open Days:
1st Tour/Open studio event - Sat 9th September, 10am-4pm
2nd Tour/Open studio event - Sun 10th September, 10am - 4pm
Another highlight of Belfast Print Workshop's involvement in EHOD is the opportunity to showcase the works of local artists and printmakers. The workshop curates exhibitions that celebrate the diverse artistic voices within the community. Through these exhibitions, visitors can witness the vibrant and dynamic art scene in Belfast, with a focus on traditional as well as contemporary printmaking practices. It creates a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and for established artists to engage with a wider audience.
Belfast Print Workshop's participation in EHOD not only enriches the present but also inspires future generations of artists and creatives. By sharing the craft, techniques, and stories behind printmaking, the workshop instills a sense of curiosity and appreciation for art among young visitors. It serves as a reminder that art is a powerful tool for storytelling, preserving history, and expressing individual and collective narratives.
EHOD serves as an opportunity to bring together art and history, allowing visitors to explore the cultural significance of Belfast and its artistic evolution. Belfast Print Workshop plays a crucial role in this connection by opening its doors to the public and offering a glimpse into the world of printmaking. Through guided tours, workshops, and demonstrations, visitors can witness firsthand the fusion of creativity and historical context, gaining a deeper understanding of how art reflects and shapes our collective heritage.
During EHOD, Belfast Print Workshop organises interactive workshops and demonstrations to engage visitors of all ages. These sessions offer a hands-on experience, enabling participants to explore different printmaking techniques under the guidance of skilled artists and printmakers.
Belfast Print Workshop's involvement in the European Heritage Open Day is a testament to its commitment to preserving artistic traditions, celebrating history, and promoting the diverse creative talents of Belfast. Through interactive workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations, the workshop connects art and history in a captivating manner, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the region. By inspiring and engaging visitors of all ages, Belfast Print Workshop plays a vital role in nurturing the future of art and ensuring the preservation of Northern Ireland's artistic legacy.