How to request a studio visit
We welcome visits from artists, collectors and print lovers who want to understand stone lithography at close range. Because the studio is active work space, every visit needs to be arranged in advance so we can plan around printing, proofing and drying times.
To request a visit, send an enquiry through the contact page and include a few practical details. Tell us who will be coming, what you would like to see, and whether you are interested in a general studio tour, an edition consultation or a specific print in progress. If you are travelling from Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban, please mention your preferred dates well ahead of time so we can check the diary.
- Your name and contact details
- Preferred day and time
- Number of visitors
- Reason for the visit
- Any mobility or access needs
Once we review the request, we will reply with the next available option or suggest another time if the studio is fully booked.
A studio visit, from proofs to the press bed
A studio visit usually begins with a short introduction to the work area and the current edition. We explain how a limestone surface is prepared, drawn on, treated and printed, and how the final image develops through separate printing passes. If there is an edition on the press, you may be able to see proof sheets, paper samples and colour tests.
Visitors often want to know how stone lithography differs from other print methods. In simple terms, the image is drawn directly on stone with greasy materials, then chemically processed so ink accepts the drawn areas and repels the wet non-image areas. That process allows for fine marks, tonal shifts and layered colour work that suits both bold images and delicate detail.
- Studio introduction and safety notes
- Overview of the stone lithography process
- Viewing of stones, tools and proofs where available
- Discussion of edition size, paper choices and drying time
Please note that access to every part of the studio depends on what is happening that day. Some areas may be restricted while stones are being rolled up or prints are drying.
Planning your visit around printmaking work
In Cape Town’s coastal air, drying times may shift, so we sometimes need to adjust visit times at short notice. We will always try to give you clear guidance before you travel.
If you are coming from Sea Point or Newlands, it is still best to confirm your slot, as the studio may be mid-edition or preparing for collector packing. For visitors from further afield, please allow extra time for traffic and parking in Woodstock. The area can be busy during the week, and a little patience helps.
We may reschedule if a press run runs longer than planned or if the studio needs to keep focus on a proofing session. That is normal in a working print environment and helps protect the edition.
What to expect if you are buying or collecting
Collectors often visit to understand how an edition is planned and how a finished print should be handled. During the visit we can talk through signing and numbering, archival packing, framing coordination and the best way to store prints at home. We also discuss paper care so you know how to protect works from direct sun, damp walls and rough handling.
If you are collecting for a home or office in South Africa, it helps to consider where the print will hang. Coastal homes can be more humid, while inland spaces may have stronger direct light. We can advise on framing glass, mounting and the type of paper wrap to use if the work is being transported between cities.
- Keep prints flat until framed or stored properly
- Avoid touching the image surface
- Frame away from direct sunlight and damp areas
- Use clean, acid-free materials for storage
We do not rush this part of the conversation because a good print deserves practical care from the start.
Accessibility, parking and arrival notes
Woodstock has a mix of busy streets, loading bays and workshop traffic, so we recommend allowing a few extra minutes to find us. If you are arriving by car, please mention it in your enquiry and we will share the best arrival instructions for the day. Public transport and ride-hailing are both common options in the area.
Let us know if anyone in your group needs step-free access or other assistance. The studio is a working industrial space, so the route in may not suit every visitor in the same way. We will do our best to make the visit practical and comfortable.
If your appointment is connected to a specific print, please bring any reference notes or questions with you. That makes the visit more useful and helps us keep the discussion focused.
After the visit: next steps
After your visit, we can continue the conversation through the contact page if you want to plan a proofing session, edition consultation or collector packing request. Artists often return for follow-up colour separation discussions, while collectors may ask for advice on framing and long-term storage.
If you came to see a particular edition, we can also explain the stage of the work and what remains before the edition is complete. That clarity is useful for buyers who want to understand how stone lithography is paced from first proof to final signing.
Studio visits are by arrangement only, but once you have been through the process it is usually straightforward to plan a return. We appreciate punctuality, clear communication and a bit of flexibility, because printmaking does not always follow a neat clock.
