The Society of Wood Engravers 87th Annual Exhibition has opened at Kirkby Gallery this week. The exhibition is a celebration of the enduring art and craft of wood engraving, and will be at Kirkby Gallery until 15 August 2025. This marks the first time in over 25 years that this prestigious exhibition has taken place in the North West of England.
The Society of Wood Engravers was founded in 1920 and the 87th Annual Exhibition showcases over 120 meticulously crafted prints, selected from an open submission, highlighting the diverse styles and subjects of contemporary engravers from the UK and internationally.
“We are incredibly excited to host this stunning exhibition,” said Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods. “Wood engraving is a truly remarkable art form, and this exhibition demonstrates its enduring appeal and the exceptional skill of its practitioners.”
“And once again our local communities will benefit from having a world class art exhibition on their doorstep. Local schools will be taking part in special workshops and there will be events and demonstrations taking place throughout its time at Kirkby Gallery.”
Complementing the main exhibition, The Entrance Gallery will feature ‘Letting in the Light’, a captivating book art exhibition also running from 6 May to 8 August 2025. This collaborative project, curated by Liverpool Book Art, Printmaking Today, and the Society of Wood Engravers, in partnership with Kirkby Gallery, explores the theme “Letting in the Light” through diverse printmaking and bookmaking techniques.
Both exhibitions are selling shows, offering visitors the chance to acquire original artworks.
The Society of Wood Engravers 87th Annual Exhibition runs from Tuesday 6 May until Friday 15 August and Letting in the Light runs from Tuesday 6 May until Friday 8 August.
Kirkby Gallery is located at the Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby, L32 8XY
Opening times are Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) and Saturday 10am – 1pm (last entry 12.30pm)