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The Curwen Studio is a unique organisation in fine art printing for artists/photographers and has an outstanding international reputation. |
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Formed in 1958, originally in London, we were the first in the UK to offer a special creative service for artists, photographers and publishers.
The keys to our success are the working relationship with the client, our open approach to each project, the knowledge of our technical staff and the high quality of the materials used. |
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We pride ourselves in offering an environment which is forward thinking and innovative at the same time as respecting our rich and distinguished history.
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We are situated at Chilford Hall (a country estate with a vineyard and conference centre) in Cambridgeshire.
The location complements artistic inspiration and is ideally situated for access from all directions, either by road, rail or air. We are happy to collect artists travelling by train from the nearest railway station (Cambridge or Audley End) or from the airport at Stansted. |
| History |
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| 1863 |
The Reverend John Curwen establishes the Curwen Press in Plaistow |
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| 1908 |
His grandson Harold joins soon after the introduction of lithography and invites artists participation in print |
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| 1911 |
Harold becomes a director and starts the fundamental reorganisation leading to the revolution in the firms output and image |
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| 1920 |
Oliver Simon (later to become a renowned book designer) joins the press, shortly followed by his brother Herbert as MD |
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| 1924 |
Oliver had contact with the Royal College of Art which led to commissions for young artists, including Paul Nash, Edward Bawden and Eric Ravilious |
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| 1939 |
In spite of problems during World War II the press remained active, producing publications for Free France, The Belgian government in exile and the literary magazine Horizon |
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| 1958 |
Due to the emergence of artists original prints, Timothy and Robert Simon (sons of Oliver and Herbert) set up the studio for artists under the management of Stanley Jones, where they developed prints with exciting new qualities. There followed a period when artists including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Graham Sutherland, Elisabeth Frink, Alan Davie, Josef Herman and John Piper produced many important lithographs |
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| 1977 |
The Tate Gallery form an Archive of contemporary prints and the Curwen Press and Studio's important contribution is duly recognised in an exhibition 'Artists at Curwen' |
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| 1989 |
The Curwen Studio moves to a more spacious location at Chilford Hall (a country estate and vineyard) in Cambridgeshire. |
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| 1999 |
Jenny Roland, the granddaughter of Herbert Simon joins Curwen to continue the family enthusiasm in print. |
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| 2000 |
The Royal Academy honours the Studio's involvement with Academicians with an exhibition in the Friends Room of work by 41 Academicians |
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| 2008 |
The studio celebrates their 50th Anniversary with a display at Tate Britain and a Tate Publication covering the history of the studio to date. |
The Curwen Print Study Centre offers tuition of all printmaking processes to people from the age of 7 years old upwards. Course programme available on request from www.curwenprintstudy.co.uk or telephone 01223 892380. Courses can also be arranged to suit your specific requirements.
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