‘Making Waves: The Magic of Materials’ with Professor Helen Smith
Wednesday 5 August 2026 |  12 noon – 12.30pm
Included in general admission

Join Professor Helen Smith, founding co-director of Thin Ice Press and Head of the Department of English and Related Literature at the University of York, for an insightful talk exploring the materials of Japanese printmaking.

Learn how traditional inks, woods for carving and washi, a Japanese paper contribute to the textures and effects seen in the historic works on display in the exhibition. Helen will investigate the ‘water magic’ of washi and explain how skilled makers make waves in the sugeta (papermaking mold) to produce an exceptional finish.