What is Etching?

Etching is traditionally the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio (incised) in the metal. As a method of printmaking, it is, along with engraving, the most important technique for old master prints, and remains in wide use today. Scatching into the metal effectively creates a negative for the image. The ink is applied to the sheet of metal and the sheet is pressed to paper. The scratches in the metal form the lines of the image.

Robert Burns Etching

Robert Burns

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

405mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing.”

Emile Zola Etching

Emile Zola

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

405mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.”

George Orwell Etching

George Orwell

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

405mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

George Melies Etching

"Georges Melies"

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

380mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“I must say to my deepest regret, the cheapest tricks have the greatest impact.”

Colette Etching

Colette

Etching on Barcham Green English

Hand-coloured with a deckled edge

383mm w x 555mm h

Edition out of 20

“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.”

HL Mencken Etching

HL Mencken

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

405mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard.”

Oscar Wilde Etching

Oscar Wilde

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

410mm w x 550mm h

Edition out of 20

“Always forgive your enemies – nothing annoys them so much.”

TS Elliot Etching

T.S. Elliot

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

405mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important.”

Virginia Woolf Etching

Virginia Woolf

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

390mm mm w x 565mm h

Edition out of 20

“One cannot think well, sleep well, love well, if one has not dined well.”

William Burroughs Etching

William Borroughs

Etching on Barcham Green English with a deckled edge

405mm w x 545mm h

Edition out of 20

“After one look at this planet, any visitor from outer space would say ‘I want to see the Manager’.”