Society of Wood Engravers

Unlike other societies of the time devoted to various aspects of relief printmaking, the SWE survived by successfully engaging upcoming generations and celebrated its centenary in 2020.

The habit of calling the first method ‘wood engraving’, and the second ‘woodcut’, crystallised after World War II.

The major regeneration of the SWE, virtually amounting to a re-foundation after a difficult mid-century, was built on the distinction between ‘wood engraving’ and ‘woodcut’: by then the more visible as the two traditions developed in different ways.

The majority of works selected are wood engravings, however other forms of relief print such as linocut and woodcut may be submitted.

The Society has cordial relations with the Wood Engravers’ Network (WEN), an American group with similar aims.

[citation needed] The SWE publishes a monthly online newsletter of upcoming events and a quarterly journal of record, information and discussion entitled ‘Multiples’.

Special occasion publications range from Christmas cards and broadsheets to limited edition boxed sets of engravings.

A bequest from earlier member William Rawlinson has enabled grants to students and funding for special projects.