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Learn Woodcut Printmaking With An Artist

5(41 reviews)
Learn to design and make your own artwork using traditional Japanese hand tools, inks and techniques in woodcut art.
Tower Hamlets
In-person
from £125 pp
3hrs
Beginner
Next available date:1st May 2024
What happens in this class?

The workshop is about learning the use of traditional Japanese hand tools, the process of inking wood blocks, printing on different types of handmade paper and developing a new understanding of various techniques in woodcut art. All of which enable you to make numerous fine art prints to take away at the end of the session.

Everyone will be provided with:

  • Sets of 5 traditional Japanese hand tools
  • 1 x 4mm A4 Shina ply woodblock - slightly smaller block for evening session
  • Blocks can be cut and printed on both sides
  • 3 x types of printmaking papers (including Japanese Hosho paper…
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Things to remember

Alex recommends bringing anything that may inspire you or material that is part of an on going project you might be working and something visual that makes you happy.

He often works with photographs, postcards, drawings, film stills and patterns.

There will be snacks and a light plant-based lunch…

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FAQs
Is there parking? Nearest tube?
Yes, free parking at the LAF studio. The nearest tube is Bromley-by-Bow.
Latest Reviews
5(41 reviews)
Tanaya - 11 April 2024
Alex was really knowledgeable and the session was very relaxed and enjoyable. The studio was also a lovely space to be in. It's definitely made me want to try woodblock again and I feel a lot more confident to do so.
Kit - 6 February 2024
Had a great session with Alex- really informative but relaxed. And I love the prints I’ve taken home! Looking forward to coming back.
Melissa - 22 January 2024
My friend and I had a brilliant day with Alex learning the art of woodcut printmaking. Alex was so knowledgable and welcoming. We had a brilliant time and are planning to return in the future!
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Booking Options
3hrs workshop1 class
from £85
Private BookingFor groups of 4 to 6 guests
£400
By AppointmentBook anytime you want
£85

Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.
Obby guarantees good classes

Age Requirement

8
All students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Your Teacher

Alex Booker runs Booker Print House from his studio in Limehouse, East London. As a practising artist for the past 15 years, Alex exhibits his prints internationally and loves teaching the ancient art form of woodcut printmaking. He believes anyone with the right guidance and environment can learn to make art. Confidence, curiosity and those wanting to play will enjoy the day so much and produce their own unique artworks.

The class starts with a cuppa of course and you'll be introduced to the tools, ink and blocks. This will be pretty quick as Alex will be keen for…

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Class Location
Limehouse Arts Foundation
Tower Hamlets
Towcester Road
E3 3ND
LONDON

Reviews

Tanaya - 11 April 2024
Alex was really knowledgeable and the session was very relaxed and enjoyable. The studio was also a lovely space to be in. It's definitely made me want to try woodblock again and I feel a lot more confident to do so.
Kit - 6 February 2024
Had a great session with Alex- really informative but relaxed. And I love the prints I’ve taken home! Looking forward to coming back.
Melissa - 22 January 2024
My friend and I had a brilliant day with Alex learning the art of woodcut printmaking. Alex was so knowledgable and welcoming. We had a brilliant time and are planning to return in the future!
Diana - 4 December 2023
We loved the class with Alex and bought a couple of cutting tool sets from him to continue printing at home. Alex is a great teacher and we had plenty of time to get creative with our wood boards to take home several prints.
Lorraine - 12 September 2023
A wonderful day learning something new. Alex was very knowledgeable about the subject and made everyone feel at ease. Highly recommend this course. Lunch was great too. 😊
Geoff - 5 September 2023
An excellent experience with Alex. Can’t wait to have a go at home.
Richie - 31 July 2023
Absolutely LOVED the workshop. Alex made everything super accessible and enjoyable. Would HIGHLY recommend.
Hamish - 11 July 2023
Very friendly and helpful host. Was great fun working with the different tools and wood blocks and we ended up with some lovely pieces of art at the end. Would definitely recommend
Gabie - 13 June 2023
A really wonderful way to spend a Monday evening. A really chilled environment to learn a new skill and leave with a beautiful print. Alex is a relaxing host so you never feel you are running out of time and he gives a lot of great advice and artist recommendations
Peter Chamberlain - 7 June 2023
I wish to make rubber stamps by pouring liquid rubber over the surface of my wood cuts. When the rubber has set, the stamp will be pressed into soft clay. When the clay has dried a little, decorating slip will be painted onto the clay, then scraped back to reveal the print. The desired size of the print is 19 x 7cm. I hope this is possible
Aurelia - 20 May 2023
Amazing class taught by Alex. Learnt a lot and found the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable.
Josh - 14 May 2023
Really fantastic workshop. Alex was soo generous with his time, skills and resources. Amazing what can be accomplished in a day. Time flew by. An incredible introduction to wood printing. Couldn't recommend this more highly!
Xan - 13 March 2023
Alex was such a great teacher, he really knows what he’s doing! Along with all the materials included in the class, there’s also a table full of books about printmaking, you can really tell it’s his passion ! I would 1000% recommend this class to everyone and anyone.
Rosie - 23 January 2023
Was a really great relaxed creative learning environment! It Felt like we had both autonomy and support at the same time to create beautiful work!
Ka Ching - 16 December 2022
Great session! His studio had such a good vibe and Alex's works are very inspiring, I learned a variety of Woodcut Printmaking styles, and I have a lot of freedom to develop my own style too! Had a very relaxing creative time, and feel recharged after the session. Thank you.
Mannat - 12 September 2022
We loved our class - made for a perfect birthday present and evening.
Chris Frost - 3 September 2022
I had a great time learning the ins and outs of woodblock printing! Whether you have experience in printing or are looking to try something new Alex is an excellent guide who is friendly and informative. Would recommend!
Shaneil Patel - 21 July 2022
Amazing experience, would definitely recommend it. Alex was a great teacher. Very nice studio with lots of space. Really enjoyed learning the woodcutting techniques and playing with different colours and papers to print our blocks.
Yolanda null - 6 May 2022
This workshop was a fantastic and new experience for me and my husband. We enjoyed every moment from learning how to use wood cutting/carving tools and techniques to hand printing our own designs.  Alex is an excellent teacher, who is passionate about his art, the art of wood cutting and printmaking, and has the desire to pass it onto  others. We have been initiated in this new art form expertly. And we bought two sets of wood carving tools and blocks to continue our progress. His studio also has a wonderful library collection of books on the subject.  Now is the time to learn new things, and Alex's class is a great place to begin. 
Milly - 19 April 2022
Amazing! Would recommend to anyone.
maddy - 25 March 2022
We had such a great time learning how to make wood block prints!
Tricia - 8 March 2022
Alex is an excellent teacher who is knowledgeable and skilled at explaining woodcut techniques to our beginners’ class. The studio itself is beautiful and well set up with equipment for the students . Alex is also generous with tips and advice for students who want to learn more.
James Wilson - 7 March 2022
What a wonderful way to spend a few hours. Knowledgable and patient, Alex is a great tutor and host. The space, light and views from the studio make it even more worth it. I’ve got the wood cut bug that’s for sure. Cannot recommend it enough!
Josh Kemp - 19 February 2022
Amazing course in an amazing studio. Alex was a great instructor and we were cutting away in no time. This is a skill I’ve been wanting to learn for a while, and I left feeling like I had understood the fundamentals and would be able to do it on my own. Really friendly atmosphere, I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in learning printing
Sam M - 11 January 2022
A wonderful introduction to woodblock printing in a great studio space. Alex was a patient teacher, great at explaining the tools and techniques, and generous with insights into his own creative process. Couldn't recommend more highly!
Ros - 26 October 2021
We had a great evening learning woodcut printing with Alex in his lovely studio. We were novices but came away with some great prints. Would definitely recommend this workshop if you're looking for a creative and relaxing evening!
Steve Griffin - 1 August 2021
Fantastic evening learning woodcut printmaking with Alex (July 2021). He was a very welcoming host, is hugely knowledgeable on the topic, and he very clearly explains the materials, processes and techniques so that we complete beginners were making art by the end of the evening. A very informative and fun evening. Very highly recommended.
Gavin Phelps - 1 August 2021
We had a great time learning a new skill. Alex was really friendly and I would recommend this to anyone
Charles - 5 December 2020
Me and my mum had a wonderful day! Alex is a great teacher, very encouraging and informative - his passion for this traditional craft is inspiring. Lunch was delicious as was the coffee. Would highly recommend to absolutely anyone of any level, looking for a great day out where they can learn something new. Can't wait to have a go by myself!
Joanna - 2 November 2020
This is a great class! Alex is a brilliant teacher and gave clear instructions etc. the studio is well set up and lunch was much appreciated. A good opportunity to play with tools and materials, and sk lots of questions. I came away with prints I was happy with, and would definitely recommend.
Eve - 12 October 2020
I had a really great time at the class, Alex was really welcoming and the location is perfectly set up. The lesson was fun, Alex was really encouraging with ideas, helpful, And the whole lesson was fun. Would thoroughly recommend!
Emma - 4 October 2020
I really enjoyed the course, Alex was patient and knowledgeable and explained the process really well. I liked the woodcut prints that I made. I would recommend this course!
Victoria - 28 February 2020
Had the best evening session with Alex learning all about woodcut printing! I couldn't have asked for a better teacher, especially with his experience & teaching method. He explained everything so clearly, gave great background to the history of printing & I came home with prints that I love. Would 100% recommend & hope to do some more printing with him again soon!
John - 24 February 2020
This was a fantastic day’s enjoyment -great teacher who offered guidance and ideas in a very relaxed way without imposing or judging. Everything prepared in advance and waiting for us. Great hospitality and a chance to produce something real and tangible at the end of the day. I can’t recommend this course too highly. My two fellow “Students” were inspiring and great company for a day I would happily repeat. Many thanks Alex for investing so much time and effort in us in such a quiet unassuming way. Inspirational.
Deirdre - 27 January 2020
Absolutely amazing. Brought my husband as a gift and we both had the best day. Alex was great- he provided all the materials as well as an incredible lunch too. Would 100% recommend.
Nick - 15 January 2020
Brilliant day!! Alex is a brilliant teacher, passionate about his craft and the studio is a great place to learn and have a go. Would definitely recommend.
Tamsin - 14 January 2020
Couldn’t recommend this class more highly! Alex was a brilliant teacher and his studio is the perfect setting. Delicious snacks too!
Klara - 11 January 2020
We had such a great time at Alex's evening workshop! He has a beautiful studio and he put on a delicious spread of veggie food. My partner and I managed to produce some prints we were really pleased with, and enjoyed the process of learning about the tools, practising carving and then trying different prints. I would highly recommend this workshop.
Kim - 2 September 2019
Thanks for such a lovely day! It was great to learn all about woodcutting in such a relaxed environment, surrounded by lots of inspiring prints (and unusual ornaments!). Alex is a very friendly and knowledgable host, and obviously really dedicated to his craft...can definitely recommend.
Lotte Lina - 21 August 2018
Already the caringly prepared vast and healthy brunch buffet is worth a visit! Alex runs his course in a highly flexible way, providing book references with those who struggle for ideas, advising each participant on their personal projects and ideas and even teaching “registration” for those who want to take it to the next level and even do multicolour/multilayer woodcut prints. Surrounding by his own extraordinary partially large-scale work in a studio full of light the space is very inspiring. One can even occasionally watch Alex working on his own art during some of the breaks, which helps very much with ideas and learning.
Janet - 9 January 2018
Alex was an extremely interesting and helpful teacher who made me feel welcome. He was very passionate about printmaking. This made learning the techniques and making my own woodcut print an enjoyable and entertaining process. Alex was an excellent host who made a tasty lunch (and I am fussy eater).