Welcome to the Oxford Printmakers Co-operative.

The OPC is an open access Fine Art Print Workshop which offers a high standard of printmaking facilities for people whose special interest is printmaking.

We are a non-profit organisation and currently receive core funding from Oxford City Council. In the past we have received funding from the National Lottery, Southern Arts, Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council.

The venture is run by an elected management committee and four technical staff, Catriona Brodribb, Heather Power, Jane Peart and Morna Rhys, who meet regularly to discuss workshop matters and make decisions. Day to day work is maintained by the paid technicians who also handle administration, as the two roles are very closely linked. A retired accountant offers his book keeping services free of charge.

Some work is undertaken free of charge by members in order to keep the whole venture afloat, this includes organising exhibitions, updating work in portfolios and holding fundraising events. Without this input, support and commitment there would be no workshop.

The technicians have experience in most print processes and are more than happy to advise on many technical matters

We run courses each year on the following print processes;

  • Artist's sketchbook
  • Wood/Linocut
  • Mixed media printmaking
  • Process camera and darkroom use
  • Screen printing
  • Book structures
  • Making collagraphs
  • Introductory etching
  • Monoprinting
  • Safe etching
  • Viscosity etching
  • Intermediate etching

We have many demonstrations from visiting artists. Notable visitors we have had include Helen Chadwick, William Hayter and Krishna Reddy.

Exhibitions are held annually.

We do community outreach work, taking a portable etching press to schools and community groups for taster sessions in printmaking and we make links with other print workshops in the UK and abroad including residencies and exchanges.

The workshop facilities are available to all members.

The OPC occasionally takes on school students for one week's work experience. This is negotiated with the school and the hours are arranged between the student and technician.

We offer consultancy and advice and have a print process and print supply database which many people refer to.

The images on this site are copyright to their respective creators. Reproduction of images is strictly forbidden unless permission in writing has been obtained from the artist.