The Baldessin Studio is a not-for-profit incorporated association created in memory of the late George Baldessin (printmaker & sculptor 1939 – 1978), whose original studio is now open to the public for creative use and as a practical legacy to living artists, perpetuating his generous and collaborative spirit.
ABOUT THE BALDESSIN STUDIO
Set within the idyllic surrounds of the St Andrews bushland, 60 minutes north-east of Melbourne, the bluestone Baldessin Studio was conceived and built by George and Tess Baldessin in the 1970s for their personal use. After the tragic death of George in 1978, at the age of 39, the building sat unused and forlorn for 23 years before being reborn as an open access studio in his memory. As such, it is committed to providing a friendly creative space for artists, where innovation and expression happen while always striving for excellence in the field.
The background and history of the place and its creator is subtly present, and continues to inspire new generations of artists now, over 20 years on, in a very different art world. Photo-based and digital techniques offer new creative possibilities to traditional printmaking methods.
The studio building consists of three large workspaces, fully equipped for all forms of intaglio and relief printing. Pride of place is the iconic 1975 large motorised etching press, constructed by George with Neil Jeffrey (Enjay) to print the 25 plate etching for the Australian exhibit at the Sao Paulo Biennale in that year.
As well as George’s original furniture and equipment there are three manual geared intaglio presses, and the newly restored 1864 Albion press. The studio is also well equipped for photographic, digital and photogravure facilities.
STUDIO FACILITIES
The studio consists of three indoor work rooms, and two veranda spaces. It is equipped for all forms of intaglio printing, with 5 etching presses of varying sizes (see below) and a large Albion relief press. The front studio room is equipped with large benches, drying racks, rollers/brayers, inks, hotplate, and four presses, each with an easy ink-up access area.
The middle room incorporates the wet area with a very large sink and paper preparation, guillotine and cutting area.
For Photopolymer Photogravure and similar techniques there are 2 large exposure units (A2 size), light table, inkjet printers, and more.
The third studio space is a large light filled and flexible space opening onto the outside area used for acid baths and aquatint, cyanotype and eco dyeing space. Inside there is another press and ink-up area, as well as a very large table suitable for groups, workshops etc. This space also serves as the BPS Office Station and the kitchenette is tucked away off this room. A wood heater and split system cooler keeps the room comfortable all year round.
In winter, when the wattle blooms, the entire room is bathed in yellow from the bush garden outside.
Visit our Studio Access page for more information.
INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Baldessin Studio is committed to providing inclusive access to our facilities. We regularly work with clients on NDIS packages to provide a variety of support to artists and their processes.
Although not all facilities at our historic Bluestone studio are currently completely accessible, all three of our print rooms inside the studio workshop are accessible to wheelchairs and we do have regular users with a range of mobility needs (including those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices). If you have particular access requirements, we ask that you contact our Studio Manager, August Carpenter, to discuss your particular needs and how we can be of assistance prior to your arrival. We are currently researching ways in which we can make our Studio more accessible for all visitors.
Unfortunately, due to the bush block location of the Studio, the accommodation on site is currently not accessible for wheelchair users.
OUR FAMILY OF PRESSES
Baldessin Studio currently has 5 presses in use; four intaglio and one relief (Albion) press. Our presses are regularly serviced and kept in top shape by Danny Kyffin Jones.
1. George’s large motorised etching press (bed size 1090 × 2000cm – (max paper size 1 × 1.4m)
2. Hilldav professional etching geared press (bed size 120 x 80 cm) - (max paper size 100 × 70cm)
3. Hilldav etching press (bed size 100 × 68 cm) - (max paper size 80 × 60cm)
4. M.E.S Presses medium sized manual etching press, (bed size 110 × 56 cm) - (max paper size 90 × 48cm)
5. Albion relief press (approx. bed size 60 × 50 cm)
