First Imprints is a unique science/art collaboration between Oxford Printmakers and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. This touring exhibition aims to give an artistic expression of the amazing story of how complex life developed from just single cells.

Rare fossils, around 500 million years old, were loaned from as far away as China and Greenland. Many of these fossils were mere impressions on the rock surface of strange, soft-bodied creatures. The task of bringing these precious creatures to life visually fell to 22 enthusiastic artists from Oxford Printmakers, led by earth scientist and printmaker Sally Levell.

Oxford Printmakers’ Co-operative (OPC) has been running for 40 years as a non-profit making organisation offering a wide range of professional printmaking facilities in a workshop in Tyndale Road, off the Cowley Road, in East Oxford.

It is one of the oldest printmaking workshops in the UK, formed in 1977 by a group of ex-Ruskin School of Art students and staff who wanted to continue their printmaking practice in a professional environment. Since then many very able and distinguished printmakers have been through its doors.

Exhibition opening times

The exhibition runs from 10th January - 6th February 2022

Sunday - Friday, 10am to 4pm, closed Saturdays