Stone lithography in our Woodstock studio
Working from a smooth limestone surface, this direct printmaking method relies on grease-based drawing materials and the natural repulsion between oil and water. The artist draws or marks the stone, and each colour is printed in separate passes so the final image builds up with real depth and tonal range. It is a careful method, and it rewards patience, clean stones and a steady hand.
In our Woodstock studio, each stone is prepared, grained and checked before printing begins. We work with artists on the look and feel of the edition, from line work and tone to paper choice and colour order. That makes a real difference on a print run, especially when an image needs quiet blacks, subtle washes or a particular warmth in the paper. Cape Town collectors often ask how lithographs differ from digital prints, and the short answer is that each impression comes from the stone itself, with the hand of the printer visible in the result.
Limited Editions For Cape Town Interiors
Many clients in Cape Town are building private collections for homes in Sea Point, Newlands and the city bowl, or selecting works for offices, guesthouses and architectural spaces. A limited edition gives each print a defined run, which helps keep the work focused and collectible. Once an edition is complete, we do not keep reprinting it, so the number on the sheet matters.
We help with edition planning from the start so the process stays orderly and the artist knows what will be printed, how many proofs are needed, and how the final edition will be signed. For some projects the artist wants a small edition with a handful of artist proofs, while other works need a larger run for wider placement. Either way, the goal is consistency across the full edition, not just one good sheet.
- Edition planning for single or multi colour lithographs
- Proofing sessions to test ink strength, pressure and paper response
- Signing and numbering once the edition is approved
- Archival packing for storage, transport or framing
Printing support for artists and studios across the city
We serve artists and collectors across Cape Town, including Woodstock, Sea Point, Newlands and surrounding suburbs. Artists come to us for stone preparation, colour separation and printing support, while collectors often ask for guidance on paper, edition size and framing coordination. Some works are picked up in person, others are packed for delivery to homes, galleries or workspaces.
Our studio also works around the practical side of making art in the city. Coastal humidity can also affect paper and stone handling, especially in the warmer months, so we keep materials stored correctly and check them before each run. It is the kind of detail that protects the edition and keeps surprises to a minimum.
- Stone preparation and inking for fine detail and colour layers
- Paper consultation for smooth, mould-made and archival stock
- Studio visits for clients who want to see the process in person
- Framing coordination for home and commercial interiors
Turnaround, travel and what to expect in Cape Town
For Cape Town clients, turnaround depends on the size of the edition, the number of colours, drying time between passes and any proof changes agreed with the artist. A single-colour edition moves differently from a complex multi-colour job, and we will always be clear about the stages before work begins. We also keep communication practical, so clients know when a proof is ready, when signing is due and when collection can be arranged.
Because we are based in Woodstock, local travel is straightforward for meetings, studio visits and handover of finished work. Many collectors prefer to view the paper, discuss framing and collect directly from the studio rather than have a piece moved more than once. For larger works, we arrange archival packing so the print stays flat and protected on the road, whether it is headed to Camps Bay, the Southern Suburbs or beyond the city.
Paper, packing and care for long lasting prints
Fine-art lithographs should be handled with clean, dry hands and stored away from direct sunlight, damp walls and sharp changes in temperature. In Cape Town, that matters in seaside homes where salt air and humidity can affect framing materials over time. We advise clients on the right paper and packing method for the space the work will live in, not just for the day it leaves the studio.
Our packing is done with archival materials where needed, and we can coordinate with framers who understand conservation grade methods. If a print is being stored before framing, it should stay flat, wrapped and away from heat sources. We also suggest keeping the edition documentation together with the work, including the title, edition number and any notes from the artist or printer. That little record can help if the print is moved, insured or passed on later.
- Keep prints out of direct sun to protect colour and paper
- Avoid damp areas, especially in seaside suburbs
- Use acid-free mounts and backing for framing
- Store flat until framing is complete
Enquiries from Cape Town through our contact form
If you are in Cape Town and want to discuss a print, an edition or a studio visit, please use the enquiry form on our contact page. That is the best way to send through your details, the size of the work, the number of colours involved and any deadline you are working toward. We reply with the next steps and the information needed to plan the job properly.
Our studio team includes Shailen Naicker, Nomvula Phalatse, Stefan Hattingh, Rukshana Kamaar, Bonga Mngadi and Tegan Jacobs, each involved in the press, editioning and client process. Whether you are a first-time buyer or already collecting lithographs, we will guide you through the paper, the edition notes and the handling of the finished print. It is a careful process, but a good one, and it starts with a clear enquiry.
