Documentaries
Screenprinting
An American Art Form
A comprehensive look into the world of Silkscreen, through the eyes of artists, printers and collectors. Featuring SVA’s very own Silkscreen and Textile Printing faulty member Larry B. Wright! Presented by PBS.
Excerpt from Larry B. Wright’s Interview for the Robert Rauschenberg Oral History Project
Larry B. Wright discusses the creation of Robert Rauschenberg’s monumental work Half A Grandstand, 1978. Interview conducted by Sara Sinclair and Christine Frohnert in 2015.
A Day in the Life of Andy Warhol
Visual artist Stephen Smith sets out to discover what daily life was really like for Pop Art and Silkscreen superstar Andy Warhol in this hour-by-hour dive into a day in the life of Warhol.
The Machine That Made Us
Comedian Stephen Fry takes a look inside the story of Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the world's first printing press in the 15th century, and explores how and why the machine was invented.
Farewell
Etaoin Shrdlu
This 1978 film by Carl Schlesinger and David Loeb Weiss, a proofreader at The New York Times, documents for posterity the many sights and sounds of the New York Times composing room on its very last day of hot metal typesetting.
History Of Printing Press Machines - Linotype Machines
This documentary uses archival footage to offer a historical in depth look back at the operation and practical uses of the revolutionary Linotype machine first developed in the late 19th century.
Kiki Smith: Printmaking
Contemporary Artist and Printmaker Kiki Smith discusses the challenges and joys of the print process and works alongside master printers at Harlan and Weaver to proof her large scale copper plate etchings. Presented by the Art21 series “Extended Play”, Episode #184.
Käthe Kollwitz and Intaglio Printmaking
Master printer Jacob Samuel demonstrates various printmaking techniques employed by renowned 20th century German printmaker, Käthe Kollwitz.
How Rembrandt Made His Etchings
Printer Alexander Massouras demonstrates how the techniques behind some of Rembrandt’s greatest prints remain unchanged almost 400 years on. Presented by Christies.
William Blake's Printing Process
Printer Michael Phillips demonstrates William Blake's printing process, explaining how it relates to his work as a poet and artist. Presented by the British Library.
The Process of Lithography
Artist and printer Dan Wright describes in great detail the complex process of stone Lithography from start to finish.
Four Stones for Kanemitsu
This 1973 documentary, directed by master printer June Wayne for the Tamarind Institute, vividly captures the sights, sounds, and sensations of printing an edition of lithographs with artist Matsumi Kanemitsu.
Poetry in Stone
The Art of Lithography
This video documents a small community of Toronto artists over a 48 hour period while they explore stone lithography under the guidance of master printer Otis Tamasauskas.
The Eye of Hokusai
This 2014 documentary details the life and work of legendary 18th/19th century Japanese painter and Ukiyo-e woodblock printmaker Katsushika Hokusai.
Picasso Linocuts Acquired by the British Museum
Art writer Charlotte Mullins takes a look at a set of Picasso linocuts acquired by the British Museum in 2014. The two prints, Still Life Under the Lamp and Jacqueline Reading, were both made in 1962, when Picasso was 80 years old. Presented by the Art Fund UK.
All About Sanganeri Hand Block Printing
This 2011 documentary covers the tradition of Sanganeri hand block printing and the chhipa community in Jaipur India. The film highlights its glorious past, present condition, and uncertain future.
Wallpaper
This brief video travels back to 1963 providing a colorful look into the traditional block printing process of hand made wallpaper. Presented by British Pathe.
Traditional Bookbinding
This informational video shows how a book is made through the traditional bookbinding process. Presented by How It’s Made.
Hands: A Dublin Bookbinder
This 1981 RTÉ documentary, narrated by historian Maurice Craig, depicts Irelands bookbinding tradition and the craftsmen and women who carry on this painstaking art.