Photo credit: Marni V Photography

Nell Smith Printmaker

Hello! I’m Nell, I’m a printmaker and textile artist working from a studio at Hot Bed Press in Salford.

My unique multi layered prints are built up of blocks of colour, combining screen and monoprint techniques. I develop contemporary, expressive compositions with an uplifting use of colour. My prints have a joyful and musical feel, lying somewhere between painting, collage and printmaking

I graduated from Leeds College of Art in 2003, with a BA Hons in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design.

My background in textile design means I’m always on the lookout for interesting colour combinations. I make hundreds of collages to inform my printmaking, using them as meditative sketches. They are mostly made up from fragments of coloured paper, chopped up prints and ink drawings. I am a bit of a hoarder and my studio is full of these wonderful scraps!

My most recent collection of prints, ‘Almanac’, explores the changing seasons. Inspired by British folklore, the prints investigate the forms and rhythms of nature.

I was a maker at the wonderful Manchester Craft and Design Centre from 2008 to 2023, setting up a studio there after completing an MA in Textiles at Manchester School of Art. I also take on commissions, teach and run workshops. Highlights include working as Associate Lecturer at UCLAN and as Lead Designer on the V&A funded ‘Design For Life’ project.  Being part of Women in Print for the National Trust was another fantastic opportunity, exhibiting alongside talented women artists from the North.

I joined Hot Bed Press printmaker’s studio in 2014, an open access facility for everything printmaking. In 2016 I was awarded the David Cantor Memorial Award from the Devon Guild of Craftsmen. This gave me the opportunity to undertake the Complete Letterpress Printmaker course, an exciting addition to my practice.

In 2020 I was awarded an a-n Time Space Money bursary, funded by the Arts Council, and won the Handprinted prize from PrintFest Ulverston. In 2022, I won the Founder’s Award at Printfest Ulverston.

In 2023 I was awarded funding from the Arts Council to develop my creative practice, researching natural dyes and pigments for printmaking.

When I’m not in the print room, I’m out riding my bike, spotting birds and enjoying the rhythms of nature.

Sign up for seasonal notes from the studio and to see new work first:

Contact Nell via the following means:

Address: Studio 14, Hot Bed Press, Salford, Cow Lane, M5 4NB

Facebook: facebook.com/nellsmithprints

Instagram: instagram.com/nellsmithprints

Twitter: @nellsmithprints