Monochrome Editions

What monochrome stone lithography offers

Monochrome stone lithography is a direct printing process built around limestone or prepared lithographic stone. The artist or printer draws on the stone with greasy materials, then the image is chemically fixed so that ink accepts only the drawn areas and repels the rest. The result is a print with subtle greys, crisp blacks and a depth that is hard to imitate by other methods.

For many images, black and grey give the strongest reading. Portraits, architectural subjects, studies of hands, figures, botanical line work and abstract marks all benefit from the control that monochrome allows. It suits artists who want strong contrast, gentle modelling or a quieter surface without colour taking over the composition.

At our Woodstock studio, each stone is handled with care from drawing through to final pull. We work closely with artists on proofing and edition planning so that the finished print holds the right balance of density, texture and white space.

Edition sizes, formats and sheet options

Monochrome editions are usually planned as limited runs, with each impression checked for consistency before signing and numbering. The edition size depends on the image, the stone, the paper and the artist’s intent. Small editions are often chosen where a handmade feel and close control are important, while larger editions are possible when the drawing and proofing allow for stable repetition.

We can advise on size and format before the stone is prepared. Common choices include single sheet works, paired images, vertical portrait layouts and square compositions. The final sheet size also needs to leave enough margin for handling, signing and framing. If an artwork is intended for standard framing, we can help plan the image area so the work sits comfortably in the mount and frame without crowding the image.

• Image area can be planned as a small, medium or large format print
• Sheets may be trimmed or left with generous borders for edition notes and signatures
• Editioned prints can be matched with artist proofs where agreed at the start
• Archival packing is recommended for local and long distance delivery

Where monochrome editions work best

Black and grey lithographs suit private homes, collections, galleries, offices and hospitality spaces where the artwork needs to sit quietly but still hold attention. They are a strong choice for interiors with neutral walls, timber finishes, concrete, brick or painted plaster. In Cape Town and along the coast, monochrome pieces can also help balance bright daylight by bringing structure and calm to a room.

These works can be installed in living rooms, passage walls, studies, reception spaces and protected display areas. For collectors in Durban or other humid coastal areas, proper framing matters more than usual. We recommend archival glazing and sealed framing where possible, especially if the print will hang in a room that gets morning sun, sea air or temperature swings from air-conditioning.

• Best suited to low glare, controlled light and stable humidity
• Works well in both modern and traditional interiors
• Can be displayed as a single statement piece or grouped in a small series
• Ideal for collectors who prefer line, tone and paper texture over bright colour

Framing choices that protect paper

Monochrome editions are printed in the studio. Once the work leaves the studio, the main requirements are safe handling, proper framing and suitable hanging hardware. For homes and commercial spaces, the wall must be able to carry the frame weight securely, especially if the work is large or glazed.

We keep the production process practical. Stone lithography uses presses, inks, rollers and paper handling equipment in the studio, so stable workspace conditions matter. For clients, the main concern is the final environment rather than any utility connection.

• Keep the print out of direct sun and away from damp walls
• Allow space around the work so the frame breathes visually
• For commercial spaces, consider security fixings and easier maintenance access

Care, storage and long-term upkeep

Stone lithographs last well when they are handled properly from the start. Always lift the print by the edges, keep clean hands or gloves when unframed and avoid folding or rolling unless it is necessary for transport. If the work is framed, do not clean the glass with excess spray near the frame edges, as moisture can creep inside over time.

Collectors should store unframed prints flat in a dry, stable room, ideally between boards or in archival sleeves. In humid areas, a dehumidified room or moisture control packets in storage can help protect the paper. If a print has been framed for some time, we suggest checking the mount, glazing and backing every few years, especially if it hangs in a coastal home or a space with air-conditioning on a daily basis.

Aftercare is usually simple: re-framing, new archival mounts, replacement of damaged backing and guidance on how to keep editioned prints in good order. With correct care, the paper remains stable and the image stays clean for many years.

Before you buy or commission

Before ordering a monochrome edition, it helps to confirm the image size, sheet size, edition quantity and whether you want artist proofs included. You should also check the intended paper type, whether the work will be signed and numbered in pencil, and whether the final work needs to fit a standard frame size. These decisions affect the proofing and the final presentation, so it is best to settle them early.

It is also worth thinking about how the work will travel. If it is going to Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban, archival packing should be planned from the start. For local collectors in Woodstock, Sea Point or Newlands, studio collection may be easier. If you are unsure about framing or placement, we can advise during the enquiry stage and help match the edition to the room and the intended wall.

• Confirm image size, sheet size and edition quantity
• Check paper choice, margins and whether there will be a border
• Ask about proofing rounds and signing order
• Plan framing, packing and delivery at the same time as the edition