Focal Press Book: Copper Plate Photogravure: Demystifying the Process by David Morrish, Marlene MacCallum

Copper Plate Photogravure describes in comprehensive detail the technique of traditional copper plate photogravure as would be practiced by visual artists using normally available facilities and materials. Attention is paid to step-by-step guidance through the many stages of the process. A detailed manual of technique, Copper Plate Photogravure also offers the history of the medium and reference to past alternative methods of practice.

Copper Plate Photogravure: Demystifying the Process is part of the current revitalization of one of the most satisfyingly beautiful image-making processes. The range of ink color and paper quality possibilities is endless. The potential for handwork and alteration of the copper plate provides yet another realm of expressive variation. The subject matter and the treatment are as variable and broad as photography itself. This book's purpose is to demystify and clarify what is a complex but altogether "do-able" photomechanical process using currently available materials. With Copper Plate Photogravure, you will learn how to:

1. produce a full-scale film positive from a photographic negative
2. sensitize the gravure tissue to prepare it for exposure to the positive
3. prepare the plate and develop the gelatin resist prior to etching
4. prepare the various strengths of etching solutions and etch the plate to achieve a full tonal scale
5. rework the plate using printmaking tools to correct flaws or to adjust the image for aesthetic reasons
6. use the appropriate printing inks, ink additives, quality papers, and printshop equipment to produce a high quality print

A historical survey and appendices of detailed technical information, charts, and tables are included, as well as a list of suppliers and sources for the materials required, some of which are highly specialized. A comprehensive glossary introduces the non-photographer or non-printmaker to many of the terms particular to those fields and associated with this process.

1. Follow step-by-step basic printing procedures for a photogravure plate, complete with trouble shooting information
2. Valuable information is offered on the materials, procedures, and printshop equipment
3. Study the historical precedents from the invention of photography to its current commercial use

About the Author: David Morrish is an associate professor at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland and past head and chair of the Visual Arts Program. He teaches all levels of photography, and has taught several senior level students the photogravure process. He has also taught and worked with alternative photographic processes such as cyanotype and gum bichromate printing. His photographic and photogravure work has been shown across Canada and internationally, and he has been supported by several Canada Council Grants.

Marlene MacCallum is a professor at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland and past chair of the Visual Arts Program. Her primary teaching area is printmaking, all media and levels, and her secondary areas are introductory photography and drawing. She has taught the photogravure process to several senior level students and in workshops. She lectures and exhibits nationally and internationally. Her photogravure prints and book works have won a variety of awards, including the Grand Prize at the first International Contemporary Print Biennial in Trois-Rivihres, Quebec and Honorable Mention from the Nexus Book Prize in Atlanta, Georgia.