THE ETCHING PROCESS

The artist draws with a needle on to a copper, zinc or steel plate that has been
covered with an acid resistant wax. When the plate is immersed in acid, the bare
metal, exposed by the lines of the drawing, is eroded. The depth of the `etch’ is
controlled by the amount of time the acid is allowed to `bite’ the metal. The longer
in acid, the deeper the line and the darker it will print.

In order to obtain a print, a viscous greasy ink is pushed into the etched grooves,
then the surface is wiped clean with muslin, leaving only the etched areas retaining
ink. The actual impression is made with a copper plate press which is similar to an
old washing mangle with a large plank or `bed’ between the rollers. The plate is
placed on the bed, covered with dampened paper and backed with three or four felt
blankets.

These are then passed through the press under high pressure, the malleable paper is
forced into the cuts and ridges in the plate and thus picks up the ink. When the
paper is finally peeled off, it reveals a faithful mirror image of the etched drawing.
This inking procedure is then repeated for each print.

LIMITED EDITION
When the etching is complete a limited number of prints are made. Then using a
pencil the artist signs each print with the title, a signature and a fraction showing its
position in the edition. For example 25/100 is the twenty fifth print out of an edition
of one hundred. The artist is also allowed to make an extra 10% for personal use.
Therefore, in an edition of one hundred, one hundred and ten prints are made. The
extra ten are marked A/P (artists proof) instead of the fraction. They are valued
above numbered prints by collectors because of their association with the artist.

Finally, the plate is cancelled by scratching a line through the image. A print made
from a scratched plate is called a ‘cancellation print’. It ensures that further prints
cannot be made and the numbered impression can be trusted.

ORIGINAL PRINT
`Original’ prints are images made by the artist from beginning to end directly in or
on the plate, stone, wood block & other matrix. Each print is a work of art, one of a
limited edition and signed by the artist. The photo mechanical reproduction of
paintings and drawings are often described as ‘Fine Art Prints’ but this term is
misleading as they are not works of art, even if they have an artist’s signature.