Entries are now open for Ironbridge Fine Arts’ highly regarded Printmaking Open 2025, inviting submissions from artists working in all printmaking disciplines – whether traditional, modern, or experimental. A highlight in the printmaking calendar, the annual competition draws submissions from both emerging and established artists across the UK and around the world.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, this vibrant competition and exhibition champions all forms of original printmaking, offering artists a rare opportunity to exhibit their work, connect with the wider artistic community, and gain meaningful exposure to collectors, curators, and print enthusiasts.
The competition is open to printmakers everywhere, from seasoned professionals to those just beginning their artistic journey. Whether you work in etching, lino, screen print, photopolymer, collagraph, woodcut, lithography or mixed media, this is your chance to showcase your practice to a wider audience.
Students and recent graduates are especially encouraged to apply, with reduced entry fees available and special opportunities to support emerging talent through free professional framing of selected works, thanks to support from Centrado Trading and Ironbridge Fine Arts.
Selected UK-based artists will have their work exhibited in a professionally curated 6-week show at the Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery – a beautifully converted heritage building located in Merrythought Village, in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge. These works will also be featured in the official exhibition catalogue and promoted extensively through the gallery’s online platforms and social media.
International artists are equally included and celebrated. Successful entries from outside the UK will be displayed in an online gallery and presented on-screen throughout the physical exhibition at Ironbridge. These works will also appear in the printed catalogue, allowing for a truly inclusive and global representation of printmaking today.
The competition provides the opportunity to become part of a supportive and energetic community of artists, alongside some truly amazing prizes. As well as the prestige of being selected for this high-profile event, artists will be in the running for an outstanding collection of prizes, with a total value exceeding £9,000.
This year’s top prizes include:
For UK-based artists:Little Thumper Gunning Etching Press – a superb piece of equipment known and trusted by professional printmakers around the world.
For international entrants: A Mini Thumper Gunning Etching Press – designed to deliver excellent results in a compact format, ideal for printmakers working in smaller spaces.
Additional awards – generously provided by sponsors from across the creative industries – will include materials, vouchers, services, and opportunities designed to support and inspire ongoing practice.
The selection panel for 2025 features a group of passionate and knowledgeable figures from the printmaking world, including: Jenny Gunning – Printmaker, master framer, and co-director of Ironbridge Fine Arts; Bredyn Flynn – Professional printmaker and educator; Dave Gunning – Veteran artist and the original designer of the Gunning Etching Press; Sam Marshall – Illustrator and printmaker known for her narrative-driven works; Jenny McCabe – Fine art printmaker celebrated for her expressive wildlife prints; Steve Evans – Artist and member of the RBSA; and Mark Lord – Photographer and supporter of the creative arts. Together, this experienced team brings a broad perspective and deep understanding of the field, ensuring that every piece is reviewed with care and appreciation for both technical skill and creative expression.
Whether you’re hoping to exhibit your work, connect with fellow artists, or simply share your passion for print, we encourage you to enter and be part of this unique event. Artists are invited to submit up to six original prints via the online application portal. Detailed guidelines, terms and conditions, and a full breakdown of prizes can be found on the Ironbridge Fine Arts website.
Deadline for entries: Monday 4th August 2025 at 4pm
Exhibition period: September to October 2025
Private View and Prize Giving: Saturday 11th October 2025, 1–5pm
Ironbridge Fine Arts Gallery, Merrythought Village, Ironbridge, TF8 7NJ
Want to know more about our membership? Give us an email at members@peopleofprint.com.
