A gallery talk by Norman Ackroyd, independent speaker. Suitable for all levels of Picasso knowledge. Gallery talk lasts 45 minutes.
Picasso is known for the great number of techniques used in producing his original graphics. As for etching, a metal plate is covered with an acid-resistant ground, usually varnish, through which the image is drawn with a pointed tool, exposing the metal below. The plate is then immersed in a bath of acid that bites away the metal where it was exposed by the drawn areas that were no longer protected by the ground. After the plate has been “etched” and cleaned, it is ready to be inked and printed — or reworked by the artist. The relatively rapid execution allowed by this technique is the primary reason for its widespread use shortly after its development in the 15th century. Rembrandt, in the 17th century, created more than 300 etchings. Picasso, in 1968, created 347 etchings for a single suite at age 87!
Venue: Room 90. The British Museum, Great Russell Street. London WC1B 3DG (museum map) Time/Date: Thursday 14 June, 1:15pm
Free Entry
