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| No. 3 Covered Slip, The Chatham Historic Dockyard |
The No. 3 Covered Slip, built in 1838 was designed by the famous shipwright, Sir Robert Seppings. The wide-spanning timber structure was the largest of its kind in Europe when built. The covered slip is a beacon of technological advancement and its vast cantilevering roof is an extraordinary feat.
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| View of Chatham Historic Dockyard Slips, from Upnor, Kent |
Neighbouring slips are made of cast iron, designed to float above the large spaces beneath. These large spaces were traditionally used for shipbuilding alongside the dry docks. The water-facing side was once open to the elements however the slips no longer in use are now closed off. The Grade I listed building, No. 3 Covered Slip has been re-purposed as a gallery for a number of vehicles and objects from both the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust and the Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive Collections.
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| A black and white relief image of the No. 3 Covered Slip |
I recently visited the Medway Fine Printmakers in Rochester and saw this as an opportunity to explore my fascination with the structure of the No. 3 Covered Slip. The artist-run studio is packed with great facilities and many different styles of printmaking can be covered with the help of local artists who run the studio. I was pleased to be welcomed into a warm and homely environment, Xtina Lamb led the class (Screen Printing One session). Using the above black and white image I was able to develop a screen and thus my screen printed image.
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| A prepared and inked up screen, (before cleaning!!) |
I had no idea of what the finished piece would look like, so I threw myself into the session and hoped for the best! I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. The process of printmaking is enriching and inspiring. I have always enjoyed the layering, the crafting of the screen or the plate, the inking and ofcourse all of the research beforehand. Taking something visual and crafting it into something beautiful with your very own hands is an exciting process.
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| No.3 Covered Slip, Screenprint on cartridge paper |
I would like to thank the Medway Fine Printmakers and the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust in assisting me with this research project, watch this space!
