Kip Gresham (1951-2024) was a master printmaker celebrated for his collaborative spirit and technical innovation in contemporary printmaking. Born in London and raised in Cambridge, he studied fine art at Newcastle University and printmaking at Manchester Polytechnic. In 1975, Gresham co-founded the Manchester Print Workshop, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to facilitating artists' visions through print. He later established Chilford Hall Press and, in 2002, The Print Studio in Cambridge, where he worked with a diverse array of British and international artists.
Gresham's collaborative approach was central to his practice, enabling artists like Paula Rego, Eduardo Paolozzi, Elisabeth Frink, and Terry Frost to explore printmaking's possibilities. He was instrumental in developing 'True-Grain,' a textured polyester drafting film that allowed for unprecedented transparency and precision in screen printing. This innovation expanded the creative potential of printmaking, blending traditional techniques with modern technology.
Throughout his career, Gresham produced over 2,500 editions, many of which are held in public collections such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Kasser Mochary Foundation. His contributions were celebrated in the 2019 exhibition 'Kip Gresham: The Art of Collaboration' at The Heong Gallery, Downing College, Cambridge. Gresham's legacy endures through the prints he helped create and the artists he supported, reflecting a lifelong commitment to the art of collaboration.