Etchings

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Fine Art Prints are individually hand printed - usually through a labour intensive process.    A set number of images are hand printed, called an "edition" and each print is signed and numbered by the artist.

The numbering follows a standard e.g. 3/20 : this would be print number 3 from an edition of 20.  You may see the following on a print which also form part of the edition -

BT : Bonne á tirer "ready to pull", the first print that the artist approves as correctly printed, so that printing the edition can commence. 

AP : Artists proof - after the BT the artist may pull a few prints for their own use/collection.

​Reproductions are mechanically or electronically printed.  Reproductions vary from high quality reproductions on archival paper or canvas to mass produced posters. Reproductions may be signed and numbered by the artist but , unlike an edition, the number of reproductions printed is generally not limited..

Intaglio is the family of printmaking in which the image is incised into a surface, and the incised line or sunken area holds the ink. It is the direct opposite of a relief print.

​The image is incised onto a metal (traditionally copper or zinc) or synthetic plate through a (sometimes complex) process of etching with acid, scratching or burnishing. 

To create a print the plate is "inked up" and then wiped off, so that ink remains in the troughs or lines on the plate but is removed from the protruding surface. 

The inked plate is then covered with a sheet of paper and run, wound or "pulled" through an etching press which is rather like a giant washing wringer. 

The press exerts tremendous pressure and forces the paper into the grooves and gouged areas of the plate to pick up the ink.   A characteristic "imprint" of the plate outline is visible on the paper. 

 Relief Printing is the family of printmaking where the protruding surface of the printing plate or block is inked and recessed areas are ink free.   It is the direct opposite of an intaglio print.
The printing plate or block can be gouged out (often lino or wood) or built up in layers (called a collagraph).  Lithography uses a flat surface - various areas of the plate are treated so they resist or attract ink.
The printing plate is inked up and printed - generally through a press - although sometimes a press is unnecessary provided firm contact is made with the paper e.g. the back of the paper can be rubbed or pressed by hand with a simple tool such as a brayer or roller