Gift Ready Prints

Gift ready lithographs with a proper studio finish

A gift ready print is a finished stone lithograph that has been checked, handled and packed so it can be presented straight away. In our Woodstock studio, that means the print is editioned, inspected for tone and registration, then wrapped with care so the recipient gets a clean, presentable artwork rather than a loose sheet that still needs sorting.

Drawn on a fine limestone surface and printed from the stone itself, stone lithography works as a planographic process. Grease and water repel each other, which allows very subtle marks, layered colour and a soft richness that suits fine art gifting. Each print is made in a limited edition, so the sheet carries the same care as the artist’s original studio work.

Sizes, editions and presentation options

Gift ready prints are usually supplied as loose art prints, because that keeps the sheet flat and protects the surface. We can also arrange framing coordination if you want the work presented fully framed before it leaves the studio. The right choice depends on the wall space, the room and the occasion.

• Small formats for shelves, passage walls and intimate rooms
• Medium formats for lounge walls, studies and entryways
• Larger statement sheets for feature walls and open-plan spaces
• Limited edition prints with edition numbers, title and signature details where applicable
• Archival presentation for collectors who want long-term storage before framing

If you are ordering for a gift in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban, we can help you choose a size that travels well and suits standard framing dimensions. That keeps the handover simple and avoids awkward custom framing later on.

Where these prints suit best

Gift ready prints work well for personal milestones and formal occasions. They are often chosen for weddings, anniversaries, new homes, graduations, retirements and corporate appreciation gifts. They also suit collectors who want to send a thoughtful work of art to family or clients without risking damage in transit.

The appeal is practical as much as visual. A print can be enjoyed immediately, stored safely if the recipient is not ready to frame it yet, and later mounted to suit the room. In humid coastal areas like Sea Point or Durban, this is especially useful because the print can remain wrapped until the recipient has a proper frame and a dry space to display it.

• Home gifting for family and close friends
• Corporate gifting for clients, directors and partners
• Wedding and anniversary presents
• Collector gifting when the print needs to travel by courier

Packing, wrapping and delivery handling

We prepare each gift ready print with archival care in mind. The sheet is protected from rubbing, surface marks and moisture, then wrapped for clean presentation. For works travelling out of Woodstock, careful packing matters just as much as the print itself, especially when the parcel is going by road to Pretoria, Johannesburg or farther afield.

Our packing approach is designed for South African conditions, including heat, coastal humidity and courier handling. We use flat support where needed, corner protection and moisture-conscious wrapping. If a frame is part of the order, we coordinate the packing so the glass or glazing component is protected separately and the artwork stays secure.

• Archival wrap for the printed sheet
• Flat board support for transport
• Corner and edge protection for wrapped pieces
• Documentation included for edition details and care notes

Hanging the print at home

If the print is unframed, the only requirement is a dry, clean surface for storage until framing. If framed, use proper wall fixings suited to the wall type, especially on plasterboard or older masonry common in Cape Town homes and apartments.

For larger framed pieces, it helps to measure the wall first and check that there is enough clearance for doors, skirtings and nearby furniture. A cool, stable room is always better than a hot window wall or damp corridor.

Care and storage after gifting

Stone lithographs last well when kept out of direct sun, moisture and dirty handling. If the print is still wrapped, store it flat in a dry room. Avoid leaning it against a wall in a damp area or stacking heavy objects on top. If the work is framed, use UV-filtering glazing where possible and keep it away from bathrooms, kitchens and strong afternoon sun.

Collectors should check the print surface before framing and make sure the mount and backing materials are archival. If a print has travelled in winter or through coastal conditions, let it acclimatise in a dry room before unwrapping fully. That small step helps prevent cockling and moisture marks.

• Handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves
• Keep away from direct sun and high humidity
• Store flat, never rolled unless advised for a specific sheet
• Use framing materials suited to fine art paper

Before you buy or commission

Before ordering a gift ready print, confirm the recipient’s preferred size, whether the work should arrive framed or unframed, and where it will be displayed. It also helps to know if the piece is going to a coastal home, an inland home, or a commercial space, because that affects framing and care choices.

You should also check edition status, signature details and any documentation that needs to be included with the parcel. If you want the gift to feel complete on arrival, tell us whether the presentation should be formal, minimal or ready for immediate hanging. We can then pack the print accordingly and make sure the handover is neat and easy.

• Confirm size and orientation
• Decide on framed or unframed delivery
• Check edition number, title and signing details
• Note any special packing or presentation requests
• Allow enough time for wrapping and courier transit