I feel that Sheffield Printmakers should mark the passing of Norman Ackroyd C.B.E. R.A. (1938-2024). As you’ll know Norman was considered to be Britain’s foremost exponent of the etching process. His work has been acclaimed and exhibited internationally. His loss will have an enormous impact, not least because he championed printmaking in an environment where many higher education institutions no longer offer printmaking courses or even modules on their degree programmes. Conscious of his having benefitted from state finance in his education, he made provision in his will for the financial support of a number of students who may not be so privileged.
Norman Ackroyd was born and raised in Leeds – one of five children. He studied at Leeds College of Art before moving to the Royal College of Art in London. He specialised in rugged, atmospheric landscapes which he captured in watercolours and etchings to wide critical acclaim. Working largely from his Bermondsey studio, he collaborated with other artists and poets, initially managing his own output and holding annual open studio events. In recent years he trusted more in gallery outlets, most noticeably Eames in London. He was working until August of this year, his last piece being a watercolour for a restaurant in his locality.
I bumped into Neil Woodall last week who, for many years, expertly editioned many of Ackroyd’s prints from his studio in Sheffield. He felt Norman’s loss as life-changing. Some years ago I was fortunate to meet Norman when he gave a master class/demonstration of his techniques at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, ably assisted by Neil. This coincided with an exhibition of his work. He and Neil gave a wonderful performance to an audience who were enchanted with the partial initiation into the process of ‘painting with acid’ which was his trademark. I say ‘partial’ because mischievously, Norman always witheld a little something to tantalise his students. He and Neil were a great double act!
I hope that browsing Norman Ackroyd’s work will inspire other printmakers in these dark days.
For more information please see some of the many obituaries which appeared in the press. They include images of Norman’s work which for reasons of copyright I haven’t included.
