Our mission is to create Artist Surfaces that embody the same commitment to excellence and craftsmanship that artists exemplify through their own practice.
Since 2014 we have specialised in producing museum grade, warp-free panels and stretchers that are trusted by leading artists, chosen by galleries, and relied upon by museums worldwide.
Every surface is handcrafted in our Kent workshop by skilled technicians who combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology such as advanced laser-welding.
Through technological advancements and cross sector exchange of ideas, it is our continued commitment to develop and challenge methodologies and conventions in the pursuit of creating the highest calibre Artist Surfaces in the world.
We specialise in fabricating handcrafted Wooden Painting Panels, Aluminium Painting Panels, Stretchers and Strainers for artists, galleries and museums.
All painting panels are fabricated to order unless purchased from CLEARANCE.
*All painting panels are fabricated to order and are delivered within 10 –15 working days of payment.
We welcome interested artists to visit the workshop to see the quality of our painting panels for themselves, or if they have a particular project they would like to commission. Please contact us if you would like to visit the workshop.
THE TEAM
Artist Surfaces was founded in 2014 by painter Matthew John Atkinson, beginning quite simply from his parents’ garage as a practical solution to his own studio needs. What began as a practical studio solution has grown into a world respected arts fabrication company, guided by a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and the importance of materials in shaping creative thinking.
Matthew’s work within the company spans design, prototyping, making and ongoing dialogue with artists. This close engagement ensures that the surfaces we produce do not simply function as supports, but actively contribute to the development and ambition of the work made upon them. His experience as a practicing and exhibiting artist brings a sensitivity to detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of contemporary painting. Every panel and surface is considered, tested and made with the intention of supporting nuanced, thoughtful, exploratory and individual practices.
In 2016, Matthew’s brother Joseph Atkinson joined the company as co-director. A natural problem-solver with a remarkable technical attention to detail, Joseph played a key role in transforming Artist Surfaces from a small, hands-on workshop into a structured and scalable production studio. He refined our processes, introduced consistent finishing standards, and shaped the precision-led methods that define the quality of our work today. Joseph’s approach is rooted in patience, curiosity and a deep respect for the craft, ensuring that every panel we make is engineered not only to be durable, but to feel right in the hands of the artist. His influence is integral to the workshop’s rhythm, setting a tone of considered, quiet excellence.
Ross Lewis joined in 2019, bringing curiosity, dedication and a hands on practicality that quickly made him an indispensable part of the workshop. Having transitioned from a completely different trade, Ross has honed his skills in fabrication and finishing, developing a particular love for bespoke panel builds and specialist forms.
Through the Creative Estuary Re-Generation 2031 employment scheme, Katie Bullimore and Perry Mills joined the team, each bringing a fresh energy and openness to learning. Katie, an illustration graduate, arrived with a background driving tractors in vineyards and is now a confident TIG welder with a patient, precise approach to finishing. Perry was a graphic design graduate from UCA Canterbury. He settled into the workshop with enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, learning each stage of the making process and contributing to our evolving methods.
Our workshop operates with trust and shared responsibility: each technician plans their day independently, while also working collectively to support the needs of the team. Skills are shared openly, and we ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, adapt and take ownership of the work they do.
Artist Surfaces was created to provide exceptional painting panels and supports, but what we have gained in return is a team that feels like family. Our culture is grounded in respect, curiosity, and the belief that the best work is made through collaboration and care.
At Artist Surfaces, every surface is made by people who understand why it matters.
Matthew
Atkinson
Joseph Atkinson
Ross Lewis
Katie Bullimore
Perry Mills
Sanding
We have a multitude of industrial sanding machines in the workshop that help create the uniform sanded finish on our aluminium panel range and the smooth finish on our birch plywood panels.
We have both tig welding and advanced laser welding facilities at our Kent workshop. Welded aluminium creates exceptionally strong, warp-free subframes that offer guaranteed stability. We can fabricate panels to any dimensions.
Welding
Every welded aluminium subframe is meticulously grinded to a perfect 90-degree angle, creating sharp, refined edges that deliver both structural precision and an elegant, contemporary aesthetic.
Grinding
We are proud to hold the 'Made in Britain' trademark, reflecting both our heritage and our commitment to local, sustainable production. Unlike mass produced and low-quality alternatives, every Artist Surfaces panel and stretcher is made to order, allowing us to maintain uncompromising quality and tailor fabrication times to your requirements.
Every panel we produce is carefully quality checked by our technicians to ensure it meets museum standards before leaving our workshop.
Clamping
We use both manual hand clamps and a hydraulic cold press, applying consistent pressure throughout the gluing process. This ensures each panel achieves perfectly balanced adhesion, free from undulation or voids.
Cutting
Our workshop facilities are equipped with a range of industrial saws that deliver exceptional precision and accuracy when cutting both wood and aluminium. This ensures that we can maintain accurate dimensions when cutting.
Packaging
Every panel is carefully hand wrapped by our technicians. We take as much pride in the quality of our packaging as we do with our panels. So you can be assured that your panel will turn up in museum quality condition.
We wrap every order with care and consideration to make sure it is delivered to you in the perfect condition that it was created.
Priming Panels
We offer an all inclusive service to seal or prime your painting panels so they are ready to paint upon once delivered.
We take pride in the quality of our museum grade gesso service, achieving a smooth, marble-like finish without orange peel, using only Golden Acrylic Gesso.
We also offer Golden GAC 100 as a transparent sizing option, sealing panels so they arrive prepped and ready to paint.