THE Scottish Printmakers exhibition at the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk will showcase work by some of Britain's leading printmakers, including Royal Academicians Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, Barbara Rae and the 2014 Turner Prize nominee Ciara Phillips.

"This is an important exhibition showcasing not only the latest work by major artists from north of the border, but also vibrant work from the next generation of exciting printmakers," said Sarah Greenslade, gallery manager and curator of the exhibition.

Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, arguably one of the UK's favourite living artists, has work at the Tate Gallery, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

As a printmaker for over four decades, she has experimented with a wide range of printing media and this is a chance to take a closer look at her etchings and screen prints portraying the cats, irises and tulips that she is noted for.

The show will also represent the next generation of printmakers, such as Ciara Phillips, who was one of the four artists nominated for the 2014 Turner Prize, and who works with all kinds of prints, from screen prints and textiles to photos and wall paintings.

Works by Barbara Rae, a British painter and printmaker who is a member of the Royal Scottish Academy and Royal Academy of Arts, Bruce McLean and Philip Reeves will hang alongside less well known printmakers who have been selected in collaboration with the Glasgow Print Studio.

The exhibition will demonstrates the versatility of the medium and should be attractive to collectors of prints.

"Printmaking is the most democratic medium in art," said gallery owner John Bell.

"It makes collecting work by today's major artists affordable to the smaller budget. The gallery's reputation for showing excellent printmaking has been built on such exhibitions as our highlights of the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition and our annual hosting of the Society of Wood Engravers international exhibition.

"The addition of the Scottish Printmakers Exhibition to our calendar is a further opportunity to show important printmaking in the North."

The private view is next Friday, from 6.30pm.

The Royal Academician Chris Orr will give an informal talk at the gallery on May 29, at 6.30pm, to coincide with the launch of his new works including a major lithograph and screen print, Reboubt, inspired by Richmond, in North Yorkshire, which will be exhibited at this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Booking is on a first come, first serve basis as spaces are limited. Call 01845 522479 or visit zillahbellgallery.co.uk to request a place or for more details of the Scottish Printmakers exhibition which opens tomorrow and runs until June 30. The gallery is in Kirkgate, Thirsk.