SPW30

SPW celebrates its thirtieth anniversary

Seacourt Print Workshop celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The organisation was set up in 1981 by Margaret Arthur and Jean Duncan. Originally situated in a teacher training centre in Seacourt House, the founders negotiated space for a small print workshop in exchange for educating teachers. The development of the organisation was forged by Margaret and Jean who were joined by Catherine Thompson and Anne Anderson in constituting SPW as a limited company with charitable status.

The studio moved to the basement of Carnegie Library, Bangor in 1989 where it built up a reputation for excellence with strong international links. In 2006 it moved to its present premises on in Dunlop Industrial Units were it has continued to flourish and develop. It is the only visual arts resource in the Borough of North Down and one of only five major artist printmaking studios in Ireland. Seacourt Print Workshop maintains an active visual arts programme, which includes courses, an artist residency, an international visiting artist programme, outreach programmes, talks, workshops and exhibitions. It was the first studio in Ireland to adopt safer printmaking processes and now champions their use through an ongoing research programme.

We’ve come a long way since the days of a single tabletop etching press. The success of our studio has only been made possible because of the vision and dedication of its artist members, the continued support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, North Down Borough Council, and the patronage by the Dunlop Group. Seacourt Print Workshop now looks ahead to continued success and growth, with a determination to make meaningful and positive contributions to the whole community.

Contact: info@seacourt-ni.org.uk Tel: +44 (0) 28 91460595

 

SPW is celebrating its 30th birthday with a series of exhibitions across Northern Ireland. These include:

• The Curve Gallery, Bangor

• The Waterfront Hall, Belfast

• Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards

• The Market Place, Armagh

• Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

For further details see our exhibitions page here