The main characteristic of prints taken from a wood engraved block is the white line. It is achieved by engraving on to the end-grain of boxwood with an assortment of traditional tools distinguished by names such as burins, spitstickers and tints. On completing, the surface of the block is inked using a roller, those parts that have not been engraved therefore receive the ink. Paper is laid on the surface and pressure applied, in this instance using an ALBION hand press, to take an impression. Those parts of the print that are white lines, therefore, correspond to the lines removed from the wood block.
Engraving a woodblock, using a magnifying glass, is exacting work. The image is perceived in reverse; as the engraver works he/she sees the image reversed both from left to right and from positive to negative. Wood engraving is on end grain wood, and the medium should not be confused with woodcuts that are produced on the side grain and generally on softer woods.