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East London SUPERLAB
Artist-Run Fine Art Print Studio
Photographer and artist Alan McFetridge established East London Superlab. He transformed his studio to pose questions and challenge expectations of the inkjet print for his art practice. He created the Chroma Print, which a large-scale, wide-gamut, museum-grade archival inkjet capable of producing consistent, high-quality editions. With over 20 years of experience in photography and printing, the East London Superlab features state-of-the-art equipment, optimal viewing conditions, and streamlined workflows for digitising artwork and prints up to 60” wide.
What makes us reputable is the quality we achieve in the print. This is due to our commitment to photography and a desire to experiment trial, play, test, and set up the studio to produce the final version that would pass the scrutiny of any environment it might be shown in. We are delighted to continue crafting enlargements and traditional artworks, providing black-and-white conversions and digitising paintings. These routine tasks are vital for sustaining our high skill level and assurance.
Seeing the image generated is much more than converting digital images to paper. Our process is developed from a range of approaches that emerge through our intensive interaction with artists, curators, and other collaborators to empower the artist community and institutions such as David Hockney or The National Portrait Gallery. Understanding that the creative journey is often uncharted, our goal is to actively influence and enhance the creative process through careful examination and technical excellence, offering artists the means to obtain unimagined results.
We explore every possibility and eagerly embrace the power of traditional tools, the potential of new technologies, and unconventional ideas to bring your vision to life. Some might call us dreamers, but we enjoy every moment of the journey! Check out our print studio services below and get in touch today to produce prints that resonate for generations.
Large Format Inkjet Art Printing
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Is your artwork ready for print? Our straight-to-print package is crafted for artists, galleries, and museums with print-ready files, providing a smooth and efficient experience. Benefit from professional large-format printing services with a quick 24-hour turnaround from order to print.
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Seeking specialist help? Our custom printmaking service is crafted to highlight the distinctive features of your project, ensuring your prints meet the high standards demanded by the Fine Art market.
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Do you want to develop your way of printing? The direct development of motifs with you in the laboratory enables a more targeted and individual result. You book the entire workflow for the development of your works in 4-hour sessions.
Kitchenette, custom work table and viewing area. The framed picture is for scale, 1600mm x 1950mm.
Please ask about pricing 1524mm or 62 inch prints short side prints
Opening Times
Monday By Arrangement
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday By Arrangement
Sunday By Arrangement
Closed for printing from 20 December to 7 January.
Email Enquiries Welcome
Location:
Brickfield Studio,
30 Brickfield Rd,
London E3 3UQ
Contact:
Email: studio@alan-mcfetridge.com
Mobile: +447799840712
Please drop us an email or scroll down for booking information.
Project Space
Private digital print studio | £125 +VAT for 8 hours | 10am - 6pm weekdays and weekends
Full access to digital work flow to experiemnt and view you progress. Includes cutting desk, 6 meters of wall space, 5000k light balance or sky light.
Paper use is charged at Self Service Rates less 15%
Includes 12 colour Epson P9500 44”inch printer, Ezio monitor & Adobe Creative Suite
Designed for low cost Portfolio and Exhibition Printing
Longer bookings - 7 days for the price of 5
Print viewing area and custom made work table. The walls are used for arranging and viewing prints, either daylight or 5000K LED.
Our History
The inception of East London Superlab (ELS) traces back to Alan McFetridge's early experimentation with darkroom techniques during the 1990s. As the digital landscape evolved, McFetridge transitioned to the burgeoning field of inkjet printing, recognizing its potential to expand the horizons of digital image reproduction. With the advent of pigment-based inks, the pursuit of quality and repeatability in portfolio printing found its zenith in this technology.
In its current iteration, the East London Superlab stands as the culmination of McFetridge's journey and vision. It is the nexus where fine art prints are meticulously crafted, leveraging decades of experience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Beyond being a mere production facility, the Superlab embodies a spirit of inquiry and innovation, perpetually pushing the boundaries of printmaking.
At its core, ELS is driven by a profound curiosity about image creation and the realization of artistic vision. Translating digital negatives into tangible prints is approached with a sense of exploration, with the Superlab serving as a crucible for experimentation and discovery. This ethos of continual refinement and exploration distinguishes ELS as both a laboratory and a workshop, where creativity flourishes and boundaries are transcended.
In essence, East London Superlab represents a convergence of tradition and innovation, where printmaking's rich heritage intersects with digital technology's cutting-edge possibilities. It is a testament to the enduring pursuit of artistic expression and the relentless quest for perfection in fine art printmaking.
Retouching Suite with latest generation Epson
Our Philosophy
At East London Superlab, our philosophy is deeply rooted in the print's rich history and transformative power. From Nicéphore Niépce's pioneering efforts in fixing images onto surfaces in the early 19th century to the diverse array of contemporary practitioners like Helen Levitt and Jeff Wall, the print has been an integral part of the artistic imagination for centuries.
Our Superlab is more than just a printing facility; it's a creative haven designed to inspire makers to explore the boundless possibilities of printmaking. By providing access to specialized equipment and processes that might otherwise be financially prohibitive, we aim to democratize the art of printing and foster a vibrant community of creators.
We firmly believe that the act of printing is not merely a technical process but a transformative journey where ideas find their true expression. It's the moment when a digital image transcends its virtual existence and takes on a tangible form, imbued with a life of its own. In this sense, the Superlab serves as a laboratory and a sanctuary, where curiosity, experimentation, and a touch of alchemy converge to breathe new life into images.
Our ethos is rooted in the spirit of backyard ingenuity, where nothing is off-limits, and innovation knows no bounds. We embrace the weird and the wonderful, encouraging our fellow creators to push the boundaries of what's possible and embrace the joy of serious fun. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, we welcome you to join us on this exhilarating journey of discovery and creation. At East London Superlab, every print is an opportunity to unleash your imagination and embark on a voyage of artistic exploration.
Digital Workstation