The Society of Wood Engravers 87th Annual Exhibition has opened at Kirkby Gallery in Kirkby, England, running until 15 August 2025. This is the first time in over 25 years the exhibition has been held in the North West of England, featuring over 120 prints selected from an open submission that showcase contemporary engravers from the UK and internationally. A companion exhibition, 'Letting in the Light,' curated by Liverpool Book Art, Printmaking Today, and the Society of Wood Engravers, runs concurrently until 8 August 2025, exploring printmaking and bookmaking techniques. Both exhibitions are selling shows, and local schools will participate in workshops and demonstrations.
This exhibition matters because it brings a prestigious, historically significant art form—wood engraving—to a regional audience, highlighting the craft's enduring relevance and the skill of its practitioners. By hosting the show in Kirkby, the gallery provides local communities access to world-class art and educational programming, supporting cultural engagement outside major metropolitan centers. The collaborative nature of the companion exhibition also underscores the interconnectedness of printmaking and book arts, fostering broader appreciation for these traditional techniques.