How it works:

  • You choose which size & type of stretcher bars you want, from your preferred supplier; Russell & Chapple, Jacksons, Alustretch etc.

  • Choose your favourite canvas or linen from your preferred supplier (I am happy to assist if you are unsure about the best stretcher bars or material to use).

  • Let me know your required stretchers, canvas & quantities at surfacetensionworkshop@gmail.com

  • I will send you an estimate including delivery charges, if you are happy to go ahead, make payment and I will order all of the required stretchers and canvas to my workshop, and get stretching!

  • Once the canvases are complete, I will contact you to arrange delivery of them to your studio, ready for painting.

Why use surface / tension?

  • Having your canvases professionally prepared has multiple benefits. You can specify exactly which sizes you want, exactly which type of canvas or linen, including sizing and priming, tension requirements and how the corners are finished.

  • surface / tension offers this service to deliver custom hand made canvases to artists across London, freeing up precious space in your studio from storing rolls of canvas and piles of stretcher bars, plus the floor space required for assembly and stretching. 

  • I have years of professional experience stretching canvas and preparing surfaces for artists, and as an artist myself, I understand just how important having consistent and high quality supports as the basis for your painting practice can be.

  • My goal is to build strong, personal & professional relationships with Londons art students, practicing artists and galleries.

Which services does surface / tension offer?

  • Expert stretcher assembly, ensuring consistent squaring.

  • Customised stretching of raw or pre primed canvas & linen, with professionally finished corners.

  • Sizing and priming of canvas or linen with rabbit skin glue, acrylic or oil based sizes, and priming with acrylic or oil based gessoes and primers.

  • Careful and professional re-stretching of completed artworks for galleries and artists. 

  • I offer 10% discount to art students, and Turps alumni