A leading provider of printmaking presses has recently launched a dedicated guide aimed at helping budding and experienced artists ask the right questions of their potential supplier in order to identify the best solution for their needs.

The longstanding, family-run Fine Arts & Framing team has launched its Seven Questions to Ask document, which explains in-depth the questions anyone looking to purchase an etching printing press should ask before they commit, to ensure that they have a product that suits their specific and individual requirements.

Jenny Gunning, Co-Owner of the business and an experienced printmaker who specialises in supplying her father’s innovative Gunning Presses, explained: “Over the years I’ve worked with many individuals of all skill levels across the UK and beyond to identify what they need and want from their press. However, we understand that there are many pressmakers out there which offer a vastly different level of service, press capability and functionality, and guarantees – which can make the whole buying process extremely confusing

“We’ve spoken to many customers over the years who initially think that they need something very specific from their press, but when we dig deeper, we identify that a completely different press is better suited to their needs.  Getting the right press from the outset can ultimately save lots of money in the long-term and provide a better all-round experience of the joy that is printmaking.

“For us, we wanted to create a guide aimed at anyone interested in printmaking to share advice and guidance about the questions they should be asking. Whether it’s about the type of materials and thickness of plates a press can handle, the availability of added-value support and technical guidance, or where the product is actually made.

“As a business that’s been in the industry for over 40 years, and as the only supplier in the world of Gunning Presses, we wanted to use the knowledge we have to help people identify the crucial questions that they should be asking any potential press provider before making that all-important purchase.”

Owned by sisters Jenny Gunning and Sarah Morris, Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing is the sole supplier of the presses which are still manufactured by their father Dave and his team. Dave is a prolific artist who has work displayed across the world and in major private and public collections, including 110 intaglio pieces accepted into the Queen’s private collection.

The gallery and website is open for members of the public to view and buy artwork, and also offers bespoke Fine Art Trade Guild commended framing, a range of specialist printmaking supplies, and completely tailor-made printmaking workshops for individuals and small groups, teachers and professors.

The guide is available to download for free at bit.ly/PerfectPressGuide.

For more information about presses and supplies, workshops and framing services, visit https://www.ironbridgeframing.co.uk/, email info@ironbridgefinearts.co.uk or call one of the team on 01952 434033.