The Lighthouse Keeper’s cat

Some things are not easy in New Zealand, and one thing is to get – affordable – printmaking art supplies.
NB: This post is work in progress and not a complete list. If you know more stores or have more ideas where to get supplies please comment or email ^_^.

Real shops in Wellington

Paper and some basic tools are available in Wellington. There are two local shops where you can go and have a look around.

• The French Art Shop with branches in Wellington and Auckland
  www.thefrenchartshop.co.nz
• Gordon Harris is a New Zealand based supplier of art and design materials.
  www.gordonharris.co.nz/

Waterbased inks for intaglio printmaking

As with screen printing I only use non toxic water based printing inks. I archived the best results so far with the Akua Intaglio ink.

Gordon Harris is no longer stocking these, but

• Artist Mark Graver runs the Wharepuke Print studio based in Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand – nontoxic-printmaking.co.nz – and is a stockist for Akua, shipping New Zealand wide.

Etching or Intaglio tools

To get more specialized tools like Roulettes or Rockers you have to look for the manufacturers and find out which distributor is willing to ship international.

Little side rant: I can’t believe how bad some of these websites and online shop are designed and built. You should think if somebody wants to sell expensive art supplies, they at least spend some effort on design and making the shops easy to use!

• The Edward C. Lyons Company has a good reputation for manufacturing professional intaglio printmaking tools.
  www.eclyons.com
• Melbourne Etching Supplies, Australia, is stocking Lyons’ tools and other Etching supplies.
  www.mes.net.au

Printing presses

There are actually at least 2 printing press manufacturer based in New Zealand

• Manuka Machines, based in Christchurch, New Zealand
  etchpress.com
• Alma Products Ltd., based in Ohoka (near Christchurch), New Zealand.
  almaproducts.co.nz

I love the Holbein Etching Presses manufactured in Japan ^_^, but shipping might be a bit expensive.

• One Distributer for Holbein Etching Presses is the Rochester Art Supply – fineartstore.com – in NY, USA.

You should check trademe.co.nz from time to time. I was able to get my – much loved – second hand bookpress there.

Felt blankets for Etching  and Drypoint Printmaking

You can order felt blankets online from aetnafelt.