Society of Wood Engravers' Exhibition

Society of Wood Engravers’ 88th Annual Exhibition

Showing until 21 June 2026

The Society of Wood Engravers (SWE) represents an international group of artists who produce prints using the relief printing technique known as wood engraving. For generations, the Society of Wood Engravers has brought together artists committed both to preserving and to continually renewing this unique medium. The Annual Exhibition features original prints which are stringently selected from an open submission. It tours several venues across the country throughout the year showcasing the best contemporary work from the United Kingdom and overseas.

This exhibition showcases some of the finest contemporary wood engraving being made today, encompassing a wide range of styles, subjects, and approaches. From deeply rooted traditions to strikingly modern interpretations, the works on display reflect not only technical mastery, but also individuality, curiosity, and fresh ways of seeing.

“Wood engraving is an art form that rewards close attention”, says Julia Timmins, Chair of The Society of Wood Engravers. “Although many of these works are modest in scale, they contain entire worlds — rich in texture, contrast, atmosphere, and storytelling. Every image here has been engraved by hand, line by line, into the end grain of wood, a process that demands patience, precision, and creative vision in equal measure. It is a slow and thoughtful practice, and perhaps that is part of its enduring power in such a fast-moving world.”

We encourage you to spend time with the exhibition as you move through the gallery. Look closely - step nearer, step back again - and allow the details to reveal themselves gradually. You may find that the longer you look, the more these engravings begin to speak.

The selected engravings are displayed in frames for the touring exhibition, and unframed prints can be ordered from the Museum in the Park as well as SWE’s website. A beautifully illustrated catalogue acts as an exhibition souvenir and a price guide for selecting and ordering your prints. Further prints are displayed in browsers in the Gallery, and these can be purchased from Museum Reception and taken away after your visit.

Catalogues cost £8 (10% discount for Museum, SWE and Art Fund Members). Print prices range from £100 to £350 or so, making this an affordable opportunity to buy an original wood engraving for yourself or as a special gift. As this is a touring exhibition, all prices are for unframed prints.

We are delighted to welcome back this prestigious exhibition and hope you enjoy the conversations and inspiration it brings.

For further information about SWE and wood engraving visit the SWE website.

Admission is free, donations welcome.

Many thanks go to all the artists and organisers who have made this exhibition possible, particularly Hilary Paynter, David Robertson and Peter Collins, and thanks to Julia Timmins for opening the exhibition on Sunday 10 May.

Linked Events:

Film Screenings: Modern British Wood Engraving

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June 11am - 4.30pm (drop in)

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June, 11am - 4.30pm (drop in)

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June, 11am - 4.30pm (drop in)

A Tin Films Production from 2013, this film takes “a new look at a traditional medium”. It explores the wide application of wood engravings for exhibition, book illustration, fine art press and advertising. It offers a fascinating window into the remarkable skill, imagination and dedication of the artists who have mastered this art form. The running time is 145 minutes but the film will be shown on repeat, so feel welcome to drop in for as short or long a time as you wish.

Late Opening:

Thursday 18 June, 7pm - 9pm

To coincide with the summer poetry evening presented by Yew Tree Press, the Gallery will be open between 7pm - 9pm, offering you the chance to view the exhibition in the peaceful after hours. Catalogues and prints will be available to buy, and welcome drinks will be on offer in the Museum’s foyer. The Walled Garden will also be open and the poetry event starts at 8pm in the Garden Pavilion.

Wood Engraving Demo & Meet the Artist Ray Hedger:

Sunday 21 June, 2pm - 4pm (drop in)

We’re delighted that Ray Hedger will be demonstrating wood engraving in the Gallery on the last day of the exhibition. Ray Hedger was born in 1944 in Swindon and now lives in the Cotswolds. Highly skilled in many different art forms, he’s been a painter, printmaker, an artist in film and murals, and an inspiring teacher. He studied at Swindon School of Art, Gloucestershire College of Art, in Cheltenham, graduating with honours in fine art and film in 1979, and at Central School of Art, having gained his National Diploma in 1964. Hedger tried to create an image embracing “that single moment when one sees something that no camera is capable of capturing because it contains so many elements beyond the ‘real’ and the present.” He is a member of Society of Wood Engravers, illustrated two poetry anthologies and made a film based on the book ‘Crow’ by Ted Hughes. Mixed shows included Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge; Oxfam tour Art for a Fairer World; Birmingham City Museum & Art Gallery; and Contemporary Art Holdings, Cheltenham/Cirencester.

Do come and meet Ray in the Gallery. A selection of his prints will be available to buy and he will be accompanied by his wife and fellow artist Robin James. All welcome, come and learn more about the fascinating medium of wood engraving and more.

Banner image: ‘Mountain Path’ by Jay Caskie