RICHARD STUDER
Biography
Born in Surrey, Richard initially studied Veterinary Science at Bristol University before abandoning his degree in favour of a career in Opera, making his professional debut designing and directing Don Giovanni for The Bristol Old Vic stage. His productions have been performed at theatres and festivals across the uk. He divides his time between Printmaking and the Theatre.
In 2012 he began training in printmaking at The Sydney Nolan Trust under Mike Clements and Gini Wade and is currently mentored by Blaze Cyan RE, SWE. The global pandemic and the closure of theatres saw him shift focus onto his printmaking practice and his work as a curator lead to the opening of his own gallery in Presteigne featuring works from printmakers and ceramacists from across the UK. His collograph and drypoint prints have been exhibited widely across the welsh borders and the marches including two exhibitions at Found, Brecon. 2023 saw his work exhibited in London for the first time with the RE at Bankside Gallery.
A ruptured appendix in November 2023 offered the time and opportunity to re-evaluate his studio practice and focus on a new technique and a passion for wood engraving was born. Richard now works almost exclusively in this medium and his large scale multiblock print ‘An Engraver’s Alphabet - Endangered and Extinct’ completed in autumn 2024 launched his career as an engraver.
In the last 12 months he has exhibited his engravings with The Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, The Society of Wood Engravers, The Royal West of England Academy International Bienniel ‘Paper Works’, Printfest, Ironbridge Fine Arts, MiniPrint Wales in association with The Royal Cambrian Acadaemy, The Tarpey Gallery 2025 open and Hay Castle with a solo exhibition running as part of his tenure as their Printmaker in Focus.
Exhibitions already in the diary for early 2026 include The Society of Wood Engravers 88th Annual Exhibition at Bankside Gallery London then on tour, a group show at Tarpey Gallery,
and a continuation of MiniPrint Wales with Swansea Printmaking and the Royal Cambrian Academy at The Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno.
In Autumn 2025 He was invited to teach masterclasses at Hereford College of Arts to the final year fine art and Illustration students and will be returning in 2026. Richard is a strong communicator and teacher, conveying his passion for wood engraving to students and public alike with equal enthusiasm. His Studio and engravings will be featured in Period Living magazine this spring in a multipage feature as part of their series focussing on British makers.
Richard works from his studio in the Welsh borders alongside his beloved ‘Albion’ printing press and Mabel, his small annoying Jack Russell Terrrier.
Richard Studer, Updated Feb 2026
Artist’s Statement
My wood engravings celebrate the technique’s origins in book illustration. Story telling has been my career both in the theatre as a director and designer, and as a printmaker. My engravings are obsessively detailed, many are humorous, while others lead you gently through technique and imagery to deeper questions... My subject matter is diverse but is often rooted in natural imagery. From ‘An Engraver’s Alphabet – Endangered and Extinct’ to my new series ‘Heads of State’, the work asks the viewer to smile first and think later, so ask me about my work and I will tell you a tale from the woods...
