Arches

Established in France in 1492, Arches are world-renowned for their superior fine art papers. Arches’ long expertise and excellence in papermaking means artists have trusted their optimum quality for over five centuries.

 
Arches Watercolour Paper PadsArches Watercolour Paper Pads

WATERCOLOR PAPER GUMMED PADS

Arches Huile PaperArches Huile Paper

Huile Paper

Arches Velin PaperArches Velin Paper

Velin

Arches 88 PaperArches 88 Paper

88

Arches Cut Watercolour Paper PacksArches Cut Watercolour Paper Packs

Aquarelle Cut Watercolor Paper Packs

Arches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper SheetsArches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper Sheets

Aquarelle Watercolor Paper Sheets

Arches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper RollsArches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper Rolls

Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Paper Rolls

Arches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper BlocksArches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper Blocks

Watercolor Paper Blocks

HOLBEIN ARTISTS' OIL PASTELS SETS

HOLBEIN SOFT PASTEL SETS

HOLBEIN ARTISTS' COLOURED PENCILS SETS

Encaustic & Wax

Wax or encaustic painting is a method of painting that involves working with pigmented heated wax to produce a unique textured finish.

Shop Encaustic & Wax

 


Arches: Papermaking Excellence Since 1492

Established in France in 1492, Arches has a distinguished history in fine art papermaking.

Known for its exceptional quality, Arches has been trusted by artists, printers, and publishers for over five centuries. Its paper is produced using traditional techniques on a cylinder mould in the Vosges, France, ensuring unparalleled durability and longevity.

The Arches mill gained early recognition by providing paper for the Nuremberg Chronicle, one of the most renowned illustrated books of the early printing era. Later, in the 18th century, Pierre Beaumarchais used Arches paper to publish the complete works of Voltaire - requiring 70 tonnes of paper - and further enhancing the brand's reputation.

In 1826, while other mills switched to cheaper, less durable sizing methods, Arches made the strategic decision to retain its traditional gelatin sizing. This choice preserved the paper's archival quality, cementing Arches as the preferred paper for fine art, printing, and bookbinding.

Today, Arches continues to be synonymous with excellence. It remains a top choice for artists, offering a range of papers suitable for various techniques, from watercolor and gouache to oil painting and printmaking. Now under the ownership of Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini, Arches stays true to its legacy of quality, making it a preferred brand for painting and printing.


Read Artist Louise Reynolds’ Review and Test of Arches Aquarelle Watercolour Paper on Jackson’s Art Blog.