When Printhaus arrived at its Llandaff Road site in 2008 – an old laundry building dating back to the 1800s – it was completely derelict. Since then, Printhaus have built a resilient, creative hub in Canton, providing print workshops, bespoke printing services, artist studios and events for the local communities of Cardiff and further afield.
Printhaus is the brainchild of founding members, Rob Trigg, Tom Whitehead and Jude Lau who previously worked together in another Cardiff-based print studio, Visible Art Screenprinters. Through their experiences of bringing graduates into a professional print studio, combined with working in such a creative professional space, the premise for Printhaus was born.
Jude Lau, co-founder, spoke of their early days establishing the Printhaus: “We were used to having artists round all the time. It’s such an integral part of any community...any print workshop. At the same time we wanted to provide the opportunity to continue making work, to learn the tricks of the trade, but without the pressure of a commercial studio."
Printhaus’ track record has proven to be an inspiration and necessary resource for the local community. The collective continues to provide the perfect space for both emerging creatives and established artists, which makes Chapter a good fit for its new location. Like Printhaus, Chapter is dedicated to supporting creatives and artists in the local community. Both organisations share a vision of keeping Canton’s creative community alive.
Printhaus will be situated across two spaces at Chapter: The Pottery on the ground floor of the building and The Green Room on the first floor. Printhaus’ current Artists in Residence will also be moving to Chapter’s Market House, with the vision to become long-term creative tenants.
Although sad to be leaving their original home, Printhaus are excited about the opportunities their move will bring.
Jude said: "We couldn't get any closer to home than Chapter.
We look forward to working together to develop new, inclusive events and workshops – reaching a bigger and more diverse audience.
For Chapter, Printhaus’ arrival couldn’t come at a better time as they plan to expand opportunities for the creative community through development of its buildings in the near future.
Hannah Firth, Director of Programme at Chapter, said: "Chapter is really excited to welcome Printhaus at a time when we are seeking to expand opportunity for the creative community in Cardiff and South Wales through the development of our main site. We have appointed architects Jan Kattein to explore how, in the future, we can grow our offer to provide dynamic spaces to connect practitioners, creative businesses and the local community with the artistic programme here.
We are looking forward to inviting Printhaus and the wider sector into those conversations and will be sharing the outcomes of our research in the Autumn.
Printhaus are running a Crowdfunding Campaign to raise £15k toward the purchase of new printing equipment to fit the new spaces. They have received support from local businesses and individuals alike. The official closing date for the Printhaus Crowdfunder is Monday (5 August) at 8.25am. Find out more and get involved here.
On Saturday (3 August), St Cannas Ale House in Canton are holding an all-day fundraiser in support of the cause from 1pm. Featuring print activities and workshops, with live music and refreshments into the evening. Entry is free and donations will be encouraged.
Printhaus will carry out their move to Chapter throughout August and resume their full programme of events, workshops and activities from Monday 2 September 2019.
