Product Craftsmanship

Print Process

Hugh’s Limited Edition prints are produced on a Durst Lambda 76 digital laser enlarger using Fujiflex photographic paper. Fujiflex is a 7mm thick polyester-based material that incorporates a super-smooth, extremely high gloss finish. It produces extended contrast, exceptional colours, deep blacks and clean whites. The Durst Lambda exposes the images directly to the Fujiflex paper using red, green and blue laser beams. The resulting images are then processed using traditional photographic chemistry. This technology results in what are arguably the highest quality photographic prints in the world.

Framing Process

Due to the delicate nature of the Fujiflex photographic paper used for Hugh’s prints, Hugh encourages clients to purchase their prints fully framed. Most framers are not properly geared to handle prints of this nature (see below). Framing prices are extremely competitive and prices are freight free to anywhere in the world.

Each of Hugh’s prints are framed using the CFL Framing Studio on the New South Wales Central Coast, or Gallery 360 in Subiaco, Western Australia. All prints are machine-mounted to a craftwood or aluminium backboard using a double-sided polyester carrier film. This ensures that no human hands come into contact with the print during mounting and helps to mitigate against rippling and/or the “orange-peel” effect: characteristics that become especially apparent over time after Fujiflex prints have been hand-mounted.

Hugh uses a four ply 100% cotton Alpharag Artcare matboard that has never contained lignin. Lignin is found in trees and this is what over time, can cause damage to photographic prints. Most other matboards that are acid-free have had this product removed or neutralised. It is fade and bleed resistant and provides the highest quality barrier paper and dust-cover. It also contains a technology that actively protects the art-work by trapping and neutralising harmful pollutants that might otherwise lead to fading, discolouration and damage.

Each of Hugh’s prints are framed using Shinkolite A (Acrylic). This 4.5mm covering provides 98% UV protection and is highly resistant to sunlight, weather and high and low temperatures. It warms to room temperature more quickly than glass, which reduces the moisture and condensation that could otherwise build around the work. It is colourless and is the clearest material available. Unlike glass, it does not shatter or break, and does not release gases with the potential to damage the work. Each of Hugh’s prints come with a Micro Fibre Cleaning Cloth to facilitate ease of cleaning and prevent scratching.