Cranfield
Cranfield Colours: Exceptional Colour for Artists and Printmakers
Cranfield has been a trusted name in colourmaking since 1976. They create a range of high quality printmaking inks and artist colours in the UK.
From their innovative Caligo Safe Wash Inks to their Traditional Etching Ink and Artists' Oil Paint, Cranfield products are crafted to meet the needs of artists seeking exceptional performance and vibrant, long-lasting colours.
The Cranfield story began in the 1920s with George Craine Snr, who honed his craft in London’s Sugarhouse Lane, a historic hub for inkmaking. By the time George Craine (Junior) founded Cranfield in 1976, the family’s legacy of colour innovation had already established them as artisans dedicated to the needs of artists. Today, Cranfield remains a family-run company, blending traditional methods with modern expertise.
Cranfield continues to use time-honoured techniques and machinery, ensuring that their materials meet the highest standards of pigment strength, colour vibrancy, and durability. This commitment to craftsmanship is evident across their entire range, from printmaking inks to fine oil paints.
For printmakers, Cranfield’s Caligo Safe Wash Inks combines the richness of oil-based inks with the convenience of water cleanup. These popular eco-friendly inks are available for relief and intaglio techniques, delivering professional results without the need for solvents.
With nearly a century of expertise, Cranfield Colours continues to inspire creativity, offering artists a wide range of materials they can trust for every project.
Michael Craine from Cranfield joined us for In Conversation in the Jackson's Studio to share his expert knowledge about the science behind printmaking inks.
In Part One, Michael tells the story of how Cranfield Colours began, shares his advice for the first-time printmaker, and tells us about the campaign to save Cadmium pigments from being banned in artist paints.
In Part Two, Michael explains the differences between the different types of printmaking ink, the mediums you can use to change their characteristics, and how to clean up without using solvents.