The Art & Craft of Print opens on May 9 at Mottisfont near Romsey and runs until November 1, showcasing the work of 28 leading British printmakers, including Angie Lewin, Mark Hearld, Emily Sutton, and Jonny Hannah.
Curated in partnership with St Jude’s Prints, the exhibition explores the creative processes behind printmaking through tools, materials, and behind-the-scenes displays.
Simon Lewin, co-founder of St Jude’s, said: “It’s a real honour for St Jude’s to be working with the National Trust on this exhibition.
“Printmaking has been at the heart of everything we do for over twenty-one years, and this exhibition celebrates not only the beauty of the finished prints, but the extraordinary craft, skill and quiet dedication behind them.”
Visitors can see a wide variety of printmaking techniques, including linocut, wood engraving, letterpress, and lithography.
The exhibition also features sketchbooks, proofs, and tools that reveal the decision-making and experimentation behind each artwork.
Newly created pieces are also on display, including a linocut by Christopher Brown depicting the Angel of Mottisfont mosaic, and a commissioned letterpress poster by Justin Knopp of Typoretum.
The exhibition places printmaking in the context of everyday design by displaying printed textiles and wallpaper that highlight how original artwork can inspire home décor.
Film footage and stills offer insights into the working environments of the artists.
Sue Laws, exhibition curator and senior programming officer at Mottisfont, said: “I’ve long wanted to bring a print exhibition to the gallery at Mottisfont, not only because of my own love for the craft, but because I’m passionate about sharing the process behind the art.
“There’s so much that goes into creating a handmade print. At its heart, printmaking is wonderfully democratic; it can be as simple as a potato print, but in the hands of a skilled artist it can produce something truly extraordinary. It’s an art form with a history stretching back thousands of years.”
The exhibition arrives amidst a wider resurgence in traditional crafts.
Nathalie Hinds, Associate Director of Short Courses & External Engagement, West Dean, Sussex, said: “At West Dean we’ve experienced a substantial increase in demand across our portfolio of 700 Short Courses in crafts and making, including printmaking.
“People join West Dean for high-quality creative learning and personal enrichment. Making allows them to regain a sense of rhythm and presence, something increasingly absent from screen‑based life.”
The exhibition is open from 11am to 4pm and is free with normal property admission. For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont
