Mario approached Hatter Editions with an idea of modular rusted hanging system- this would be to hang prints on washi paper from. To add to this, Mario also really wanted cotton rag prints mounted on di-bond and floated in a pair of tray frames that he supplied; Most places will not print on fine art material for di-bond mounting due to the difficulty and possible flaking.
Adding a little extra sparkle to this Mario requested that a section on one of the di-bond print be cut out and in its place a steel plate (also to be rusted) with image adhered to it be put in its place, creating another modular system... We took all of this on board and after a few conversations with Mario, we said leave it with us.
After some intense research and Lewis looking through old notes and journals- we had a solution. We knew that we could rust the metal, we knew the perfect cotton rag for the di-bond job, as well as knowing how we cut place the steel plate with image to the mount and we always love printing on washi paper.
We worked collaboratively with Mario to fabricate the rust, we invited him to use the studio space for us to work together... Mario sourced the steel and the magnets and then we got to work.
During the week of rust making, Hatter Editions got to work on the print making. We proofed the washi and cotton rag, Mario gave the thumbs up and it all went to press. The rust was set to dry and we started mounting, cutting, applying magnets- having second thoughts on both aesthetics and logistics.
Then it all came together, in the most wonderful way, at the Open Eye Gallery Liverpool. We are very proud of what we achieved working with Mario.
Image below curtsey of Rob Battersby
