Workshop led by Amarjeet Nandhra at the Museum in the Park

In conjunction with the Textile Study Group’s UNmaking exhibition, Amarjeet hosted an engaging textile printing workshop at The Museum in the Park. Below, she shares her reflections on the day and the creative work explored during the session.

During our current exhibition, "UNmaking," at The Museum in the Park, Stroud, I hosted a "Meet the Artist" session on a Saturday afternoon. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with many interesting and engaged visitors. As they viewed my work, several people assumed that the small, detailed patches were stitched. I explained that they were actually Tetra Pak prints. This experience made me realise that, as a maker, I sometimes take things for granted; I was surprised to discover that many people were unfamiliar with Tetra Pak printing.

Tetra Pak printing is a simple and versatile introduction to the intaglio printing process. By repurposing recycled food packaging, you can create unique intaglio printing plates with an immediately printable surface, unlike other collagraph materials. I enjoy using this method in my work because of the drawn quality and fine detail it allows.

These conversations clearly sparked the visitors' interest, as my workshop attendance on Sunday increased, and by the end of the day, it was fully booked. Workshop participants explored how to engrave plates by cutting, scoring, and peeling the surface to create a range of light and dark tones, using multiple colours and repeat prints. They produced some fabulous and exciting prints.

I was truly impressed by how hard everyone worked; there was a lot to accomplish in just one day. Each participant was encouraged to incorporate personal imagery into their work, which helped overcome the "blank page syndrome" and the feeling of uncertainty about what to create. One of the most exciting aspects for me is always how everyone brings their unique perspective to the process.  The whole weekend was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and Stroud is such a wonderful place to visit.

Don't miss the final week of UNmaking at The Museum in the Park! If you can't catch it here before it closes, the exhibition is touring and continues at The Station Gallery, Richmond, North Yorkshire, from 12 August to 8 September 2027.