One of Britain's foremost printmakers, Ackroyd has developed a distinctive and highly skilled use of aquatint, giving his atmospheric etchings a uniquely individual quality. His subjects are usually the wilder landscapes of mountains and shore, reminders that the present has emerged from a harsher past. According to his chosen location, the atmospheric conditions and intended mood, his works range from minimalist, almost abstract impressions to richly detailed images of specific places and seasons. Ackroyd's work is in numerous British and American collections, including Tate, British Museum, and National Gallery of Art, Washington, and his archive is held at Central Saint Martins. He has featured in several BBC documentaries, including What Do Artists Do All Day? (2013).