Our Spring programme brings new exhibitions and workshops:
Currently showing is ‘The School of Polish Posters’ featuring work by some of the most admired artists from the Polish Communist era. Our print workshop is now up and running and there are still a few places on the one day workshop. The popular large drawing classes continue monthly and we are busy planning the Summer Season.
Gallery open Wednesday – Sunday 11am-4pm during exhibitions. Please check social media for updates.
Sign up to our mailing list to keep informed of forthcoming exhibitions:
School of Polish Posters
15th May – 5th June
Please note: Saturday 28th reduced hours 2-4pm only
A rare chance to see a remarkable collection of film and theatre posters from 1970s-90s. The collection was started in 1973 by George Marks who was in Poland on a British Council Scholarship studying poster design under Henryk Tomaszewski at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts.
The rise of the so-called ‘Polish School’ of posters, following the end of WWII, can be attributed to several historical and cultural influences which were unique to the socio-political issues which dominated Poland during the post-war decades.
During the exhibition we are offering FREE print and poetry workshops. We are running these FREE workshops to anyone from the Dudley Borough and beyond and wish to engage with local Polish communities.
These workshops are supported by Creative Black Country as part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places scheme.
ONE DAY WORKSHOP POETRY & PRINT
Saturday 28th May
11am-1pm POETRY
2-4pm PRINT (design and print your own poster)
EVENING WORKSHOPS
Tuesday 24th May
7-9pm POETRY WORKSHOP with Bohdan Piasecki
Tuesday 31st May
7-9pm PRINT WORKSHOP with Holly O’Meara.
You do not have to be experienced in either print or poetry! Please join us in the spirit of learning something new through considering the vibrant energy and heritage of this collection of Polish film and theatre posters from 1970-90s.
We have a Saturday option of a creative writing and poetry workshop with Bohdan Piasecki and an afternoon print workshop to design your own poster with Holly O’Meara. There is also a Tuesday evening option across two weeks.
We encourage you to take part in both activities – you can do a whole day on Saturday or split the activity between the two Tuesdays.
Cost: FREE. All materials and refreshments (drinks) are included.
To book your place please go to Eventbrite:
Modern Polish Posters
Limited Edition Reprints for sale
Fully authorised, limited edition reprints sourced from Poland. These prints are made on offset paper similar to the original. Poster formats and colours are in keeping with the period. Small editions, respecting all copyrights belonging to the graphic artists or their heirs.
Limited stocks available from General Office. Packed in tubes, ready to frame.
To place your order please email: prints@generaloffice.co.uk
Posters can be collected from General Office Gallery
Wednesday-Sunday 11am-4pm.
Printmaking with Craftybun Studio
27th April for 6 weeks
Wednesday Evenings, 6pm – 8pm
Suitable for 18+ year olds. Full course £125.00
This six-week course will introduce you to several printmaking techniques with the aim that you will then feel confident enough to continue your printmaking practice afterwards. You will learn all the processes in a supportive environment. All materials and equipment provided, including tea/coffee and biscuits.
Techniques you will learn are:
Monoprinting, Drypoint, Linocut and Collograph
Drypoint & Monoprint with Craftybun Studio
14th May - One Day Course
Saturday 14 May, 11am – 4pm
Cost: £55
This one-day course will focus on showing you the basics of monoprint and drypoint, you will then explore ways of combining the two together. Monoprinting – Using relief printing inks on Perspex you will produce one-off multicolour prints working with found materials, pens, cotton buds and barens/burnishers. Drypoint – Working directly onto a Perspex printing plate you will use mark-making tools to create an etching. Using relief inks you will then print using an etching press. You will learn the processes in a supportive environment. All equipment and materials are provided as well as tea/coffee and biscuits.
Exploring Large Scale Drawing
with Sarah Goudie
Renew your art practice and develop your creative space through structured and stimulating drawing activities.
Sarah Goudie presents a number of monthly large scale drawing workshops. Given space and time each person’s language of artistry finds its way to the paper. Each monthly workshop takes a slightly different focus so people who return are able to continue developing their experience.
Fridays 10.30am – 1.00pm:
June 10th, July 1st and August 5th
Saturdays 11.00am – 1.30pm:
June 11th, July 2nd and August 6th
Further Information on the workshop, costs and booking are on the Eventbrite link:
Book on eventbrite
Photographs by Chris Mills
Supporting Hawbush Community Gardens
These stunning wildlife posters are being sold to raise funds for Hawbush Community Gardens. Posters can be ordered through this website by email and can be paid for in the gallery during opening hours.
Please email your requirements or for further information.
A3 size — £10
A2 size — £20
We welcome visitors back to enjoy exhibitions, events, talks and classes in our upstairs gallery.
General Office is maintaining measures to ensure the safety of staff, studio tenants and visitors, including limited capacity, hand sanitisation and social distancing.
For further information and general enquiries please email info@generaloffice.co.uk or call 07976 935413.
12 Hagley Road, Stourbridge,
West Midlands DY8 1PS
(NB. Stair access only)
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