Hard ground etching
1 day course
2026: 13 November. 2027: 28 April & 14 September
10am – 4pm
£129 including 1 x10x15cm zinc plate
Hard ground etching is the most traditional form of etching mastered by artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Learn how to create a hard ground etching using a 10 x 15 cm zinc plate. You will learn how to prepare your zinc plate, apply the ground, and etch using copper sulphate. Once you have etched your plate, ink up, wipe and print your plate on an etching press. By the end of the course, you will have created a small variable edition of prints to take home.
Course structure
• Discuss the technique and look at examples
• Prepare and degrease your plate
• Apply hard ground to the plate
• Scratch your image into the ground using a variety of tools
• Etch your plate using copper sulphate, exploring timings and etch depths
• Check the etch on the plate, clean and de-grease the plate
• Ink up and print using an etching press
Pre course information
Bring images to inspire your print suitable for the plate size.
Experience level
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills.
Maximum 6 places
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Booking a course
All courses are for individuals aged 18 and over unless the specific course page states it is suitable for children or young adults. If you wish to enquire about anyone under 18 attending a general course, please call us on 01223 892380
For all courses except CPSC Certificate course
Full payment of the course fee is required when booking a place. A reserved place is not secure until full payment has been received.
If for any reason you are unable to attend, we will refund monies paid minus a £25 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 20 working days before the course start date.
For CPSC Certificate course
Payment for Term 1 is required when booking a place. A reserved place is not secure until this payment has been received. Payments for Terms 2 & 3 will be due at the end of the previous term. Payments for Terms 2 & 3 will be due before the first day of each term.
If for any reason prior to the commencement of the course you are unable to attend, we will refund monies paid minus a £25.00 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 1 month before the course start date. Once you start the course on Term 1 you have committed to all 3 terms. Course transfers are at the discretion of Curwen Print Study Centre.
There is an option to book your place for £100 deposit. If you choose this option your place is secured. The balance of term 1 will be due 20 working days before the start of the course. If you cancel more than 20 working days before the course start date, we will refund monies paid minus a £25 admin fee. If your place is not cancelled during this timescale, and the balance is not paid then the deposit is non refundable. All other Terms & Conditions remain the same.
Curwen Print Study Centre reserves the right to cancel courses – a full refund will be made in these circumstances.
