Spike Print Studios

about spike print studio

Established in 1976, Spike Print Studio in Bristol is the largest open-access print studio in the South West. Its mission is to provide exceptional resources, inspiration, training and space for artists. The studio is open to anyone with any level of experience and provides 24 hour access to keyholder members.The Print Studio is a site for visual artists to explore and experiment with what printmaking can do. Its facilities are the basis from which learning activities can extend out into the community and into schools. Inside the Studio a new talks and masterclass programme extends learning for the artistic community. Creative excellence and creative learning are seen side by side.

Spike Print Studio is based at Spike Island Artspace, an international arts centre, combining working and exhibition space for the contemporary visual arts.

Spike Print Studio is a licencee of Artspace, renting low cost premises in the building. However, Spike Print Studio is an independent organisation; a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.

Facilities

Workshop facilities are available in etching/intaglio, relief printing, screenprinting and many other related processes. Workshop access is available to all members of the public who have printmaking experience.

Screen Printing Equipment

We have a large and expanding creative area designated for silkscreen printing in its various media and formats.

• 4 Natgraph hand bench tables (vacuum area approx.110×80cm)
• 1 large format hand bench, approx 110×80cm with squeegee arm
• 2 Medium and Small scale tables for accuracy and fine registration
• The largest Screen size is 110 x 160 cm outside frame and we have a variety of mesh sizes from 150 – 12 strands per cm
• Natgraph Ultra Violet 1.6kw exposure unit with vacuum print down frame
• Back lit wash out booth with Alto pressure washer and cleaning hose

Relief Printing Equipment

• Shared area for woodcut, lino and experimental media
• Albion Press (1842) printing press with print area up to 70 x 50cm
• Smaller Gem roller proofing press up to 70 x 50cm
• Van de Cook large format semi-automated relief proofing press

Etching Equipment

• Ferric Chloride and Copper Sulphate etching baths for etching copper, steel and stainless steel, zinc. Various sized etching baths up to 100×200cm
• 3 Traditional heavy roll presses ranging from 40×80 cm to 70×120cm
• 1 Large format Tofko press with fully adjustable height and pressure able to print up to 120×200cm area plates and blocks
• 2 Inking Hot plates with various temperature controls
• Aquatint Resin box
• Separate and ventilated solvents cleaning room

Photo Etching

• Designated darkroom with Parker Graphics vacuum bed and UV lamp box, for developing Toyobo Photo Polymer Gravure Plates

Digital Equipment

• 2 Apple Macs with Creative Suite software and Internet access
• A3 and A4 laser printer, and A3 ink jet colour printer

how to join the studio

Artists may choose from a variety of memberships which allow for flexible access and membership rates. We also run a Friends scheme that supports our work and that of the members who work here.To join, give us a ring on 0117 929 0135. Irena Czapska is the Studio Administrator who deals with membership queries.
You need to attend an induction in order to become a member. These  take place usually on the first Saturday of each month, 10am - 1pm and costs £30.00.
They are available in either screenprinting or etch/relief. The induction will give you a good understanding of studio practice and it will enable you to decide the type of membership that suits your needs.
If you have attended a course, the induction will cost £25.00.