Studio Facilities
Our studio, created in memory of the late George Baldessin (printmaker & sculptor 1939–1978) whose original studio we now use, serves as a legacy for artists and printmakers, continuing on his generous and collaborative spirit.
Baldessin Studio consists of three indoor work rooms, and two veranda spaces. We are equipped for all forms of intaglio printing, with 4 etching presses and a large Albion relief press.
The Front Room
As you arrive at the studio, the first room you enter is our main workshop. Within its bluestone facade, the ‘front room’ is equipped with large benches, drying racks, rollers/brayers, inks, a large hotplate and three intaglio presses. As part of your studio booking, you can choose which press you would like to work on (subject to availability), as well as an adjoining inking area.
For artists wishing to stay onsite, the Garrett accommodation is above the front room.
The ‘GB’ Press
This is our largest, and only motorised, press. It was built specifically to George Baldessin’s specifications, so you will find it is slightly higher than our other presses – as George was a tall man!
Affectionately known as ‘The GB Press’, the steel bed measures 1090×2000cm (maximum paper size 1×1.4m).
The ‘Middle’ Press
This is a Hilldav Professional Etching Geared Press with a bakelite bed measuring size 120x80cm (maximum paper size 100×70cm).
The ‘Baby’ Press
Our baby press is a beautiful M.E.S Manual Etching Press with a steel bed measuring 110×56cm (max paper size 90×48cm).
The Albion
In the corner by our big double doors we have an Albion Relief Press, with a bed size measuring approx. 60×50cm.
Photogravure & Paper Prep Room
Heading through from the Front Room, you’ll enter our Photogravure & Paper Prep Room. This is strictly a ‘No Ink Zone’ and it is where we print, expose & process photopolymer photogravure plates, and tear down/prepare all papers for printing.
Photogravure Equipment & Tools
Inkjet Printers
Guillotine (for use with photopolymer plates only)
Exposure Units
Drying Units
Large sink for washing out plates
We have all the tools that you might need to prepare your paper onsite, but we always recommend bring your own – just in case.
Large cutting mats, rulers, knives & blades, bone folders, pencils, packing tapes.
Large sink and paper soaking trays, towels, newsprint & tissue for blotting.
As we are located in the bush, and are on tank water, water use is always on our mind – especially during summer. As a studio, we like to make damp packs rather than soaking paper in baths so as to minimise water wastage.
Paper Equipment & Tools
Back Room
As you exit the Paper/Photogravure space, you head into our cosiest room. This large, open plan space is in many ways the heart of the studio. A wood-burner keeps us toasty warm in the colder months, and we have an aircon for those extra hot days. Long tables make for an excellent workshop space and offer additional workspaces for visiting artists when their projects expand.
Hertha’s Press
In 2025, Hertha Kluge-Pott donated her exquisitely cared for press. Today her press sits pride of place in front of the windows. With views out into the gum trees, this is a beautiful spot to work in – although you may find yourself distracted by a kangaroo or two hopping about outside.
Kitchenette
Adjoining the Back Room is our Kitchenette and Tea/Coffee Cart. While small in size we have everything you need to prepare snacks & lunches – note, it is important to bring your own! The Kitchenette provides a microwave, sandwich press, toaster, small fridge, kettle, coffee plungers, utensils & plates etc, and of course a strictly ink-free sink.
As part of your Studio Access, we do provide a limited range of coffee, teas & milks, plus the occasional biscuit if you are lucky!
Workshops
If you are enrolling in a workshop, this is where you will be spending at least part of your time. Long tables make for a great communal work area, whilst also providing extra space to spread out. It is a versatile space, and most things are on wheels – so depending on the activity you may find it looks different!
Library
Over the years we have acquired a fantastic selection of artist monographs, art history and technical reference books. Take a break from printing, grab a book and get inspired. We welcome our visitors to read the books but please do not remove them from the Studio.
Clean Up & Etching Area (Outside)
Adjoining the backroom is our covered Clean Up & Etching area. Here you will find a large sink, with hot water, as well as two large tables for cleaning. We use eco-friendly solvents where we can (citrus based), and there are also solvents available for required techniques.
Acid Baths
We are equipped to set up both Edinburgh Etch (copper plates) and Copper Sulphate (zinc plates) acid baths.
Our largest bath will fit a 90×90cm plate.
If you are hoping to etch some plates, please let us know when you make your booking as this is something we must plan to accommodate.
As we are located in Bushfire Zone, we do not have a Rosin Aquatint box. Instead, we use spray paint for our aquatint techniques.
If you are planning on doing some Spray Aquatint, please let us know when you make your booking as this is something we must plan to accommodate.
Spray Aquatint
Inclusion & Accessibility
Baldessin Studio is committed to providing inclusive access to all our facilities. We regularly welcome and 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 (there are ramps) 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 us directly 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 and the necessity of staircases, the onsite accommodation is currently not accessible for wheelchair users.
