For a few years, I have used Loxley Colour in Scotland as my exhibition printer, and they are the provider for any customer orders taken from my website, mickyatesphotography.com. I have always been pleased with the results.
I have used Art Panels as the main exhibition format to date, mixed with some acrylics which seem to be of a particularly high quality. Loxley offer a very fast turnaround, and I have yet to be disappointed by their colour management.
All prices are pre any discount for multiple orders. I plan to execute via my company, so VAT will be refundable as a business to business cost.
Loxley’s choices are virtually limitless, so let me pick a few I have either used before or that seem representative.
Giclee Print, Fibre Board
Foamex 5mm board with Hahnemuhle fine art pearl 285 gsm. A1: £81.73 plus 20% VAT (£45.17 Giclee print only).
Print quality is very good.
Whilst attractive and very suitable for exhibition or events, this requires some form of hanging mechanism – velcro or stick pads.
Art Panel
Black edge & Fuji DP2 satin laminate finish. A1: £105.03 plus 20% VAT
To date, this has been my main exhibition format, and it has always been well received.
I plan to order an infrared with caption, not least as I have a PhotoBath exhibition coming up which will include a couple of these images.
Sanctuary
Satin black edge, Hahnemuhle Torchon 285 gsm paper. Largest size 40×30 (approx. A3); £173.26 plus 20% VAT.
This comes in a variety of frame colours, mounts and papers. A classical though not cheap solution.
Box Frame
Edge & satin laminate finish. A1: £168.76 plus 20% VAT.
This seems like a ‘no’ both on aesthetic and cost grounds.
Acrylic
Gloss print with 2mm acrylic. A1: £175.91 plus 20% VAT.
Dibond Metallic
Aluminium panel mounted on a black acrylic base. Metallic print. A1: £130.67 plus 20% VAT. A2: 78.26 plus 20% VAT.
I love these two finishes (acrylic and dibond metallic), and have acrylic at home. But in quantity I need to think whether these are financially viable. Another option is Dibond White.
Aluminium panel mounted on a black acrylic base. White print. A1: £104.42 plus 20% VAT.
Exploration is definitely required, including considering other providers and possible home-made framing.
I use Metro Imaging for scanning, and they have a dedicated framing and exhibition service – my next port of call.