Printmaking and Book Arts- London N19

### Workshop Description

Print as Protest is an accessible introduction to screen printing that explores the rich history of printmaking as a tool for activism, social movements, and political expression. Central to the workshop is an exploration of the power of text: how words, slogans, and statements can become images in their own right. Through typography, scale, repetition, and graphic composition, text can communicate urgency, solidarity, resistance, and hope. From protest placards and political posters to artist manifestos and public interventions, printed language has long been used to challenge authority, amplify marginalised voices, and mobilise communities.
Participants will examine how artists, activists, and designers have transformed text into compelling visual forms, considering not only what messages are communicated but how they are seen, felt, and remembered. Through discussion and practical experimentation, participants will develop their own graphic responses to contemporary issues, translating words and ideas into bold printed works.
From suffragette posters and labour movement graphics to contemporary climate activism and social justice campaigns, the workshop examines how printed images have long been used to communicate ideas, challenge power, and build collective voices.
Beginners are warmly welcomed, and all technical processes will be demonstrated step-by-step.
Audience
This workshop is suitable for:

• Complete beginners
• Artists and makers interested in printmaking
• Community activists and campaigners
• Anyone interested in visual culture, social history, and creative expression

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Understand the basic principles and history of screen printing.
• Explore examples of protest and activist printmaking.
• Develop a simple graphic design or slogan suitable for screen printing.
• Learn how to prepare artwork for a screen.
• Gain hands-on experience in printing using screen printing techniques.
• Produce a small edition of prints to take home.
• Reflect on the role of printmaking as a form of communication and resistance.

Materials
All basic materials and equipment will be provided, including:

• Screens and squeegees
• Water-based inks
• Printing paper
• Design materials and reference images
• Protective aprons and cleaning supplies

Participants may bring sketches, photographs, slogans, or source material related to a cause or issue they would like to explore.
Accessibility
The workshop is designed to be welcoming and supportive for participants of all experience levels. Demonstrations will be broken down into clear stages, with individual guidance provided throughout the day.
Course Aim
To introduce participants to the creative and technical possibilities of screen printing while exploring its historical and contemporary role as a powerful medium for protest, Image as text, advocacy, and public expression.

### Workshop Description

Print as Protest is an accessible introduction to screen printing that explores the rich history of printmaking as a tool for activism, social movements, and political expression. Central to the workshop is an exploration of the power of text: how words, slogans, and statements can become images in their own right. Through typography, scale, repetition, and graphic composition, text can communicate urgency, solidarity, resistance, and hope. From protest placards and political posters to artist manifestos and public interventions, printed language has long been used to challenge authority, amplify marginalised voices, and mobilise communities.
Participants will examine how artists, activists, and designers have transformed text into compelling visual forms, considering not only what messages are communicated but how they are seen, felt, and remembered. Through discussion and practical experimentation, participants will develop their own graphic responses to contemporary issues, translating words and ideas into bold printed works.
From suffragette posters and labour movement graphics to contemporary climate activism and social justice campaigns, the workshop examines how printed images have long been used to communicate ideas, challenge power, and build collective voices.
Beginners are warmly welcomed, and all technical processes will be demonstrated step-by-step.
Audience
This workshop is suitable for:

• Complete beginners
• Artists and makers interested in printmaking
• Community activists and campaigners
• Anyone interested in visual culture, social history, and creative expression

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Understand the basic principles and history of screen printing.
• Explore examples of protest and activist printmaking.
• Develop a simple graphic design or slogan suitable for screen printing.
• Learn how to prepare artwork for a screen.
• Gain hands-on experience in printing using screen printing techniques.
• Produce a small edition of prints to take home.
• Reflect on the role of printmaking as a form of communication and resistance.

Materials
All basic materials and equipment will be provided, including:

• Screens and squeegees
• Water-based inks
• Printing paper
• Design materials and reference images
• Protective aprons and cleaning supplies

Participants may bring sketches, photographs, slogans, or source material related to a cause or issue they would like to explore.
Accessibility
The workshop is designed to be welcoming and supportive for participants of all experience levels. Demonstrations will be broken down into clear stages, with individual guidance provided throughout the day.
Course Aim
To introduce participants to the creative and technical possibilities of screen printing while exploring its historical and contemporary role as a powerful medium for protest, Image as text, advocacy, and public expression.