Throughout the world, Ilford Photo enjoys bringing good quality film photography to life thanks to their quality black-and-white film, papers and chemicals. This is why Art of Print relies on Ilford’s photographic and fine art papers to render exquisite museum-quality prints.

The history behind Ilford

First, let’s find out the history behind this trusted brand of premium papers: Ilford was founded in 1879 by Alfred Hugh Harman, and since then it has been a name associated with photography. Whilst the company has evolved over the years, the drive to provide our customers with world-class products is as strong as it was over 140 years ago.

As one of the earliest adopters of digital imaging technology for the photographic and commercial wide format markets, Ilford has been at the forefront of innovation in the industry, demonstrating the ability to design products in line with changing technologies. The Ilford name is well established in the history of imaging and today continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photographic and commercial wide format markets, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities. Ilford became Ilford Imaging Ltd on 1st January 1998 under new owners Doughty Hanson & Co and entered the mass inkjet consumer market with the launch of the Printasia Inkjet Photo Range of papers. In 2000 Ilford launched the Galerie Inkjet Photo Range of paper and media.

In July 2005 Oji Paper, a 130-year old company based in Tokyo, bought Ilford Imaging Group’s Swiss operations which produce inkjet products and high-quality colour photographic products under the name Ilford Imaging Switzerland GmbH and includes the Galerie and Printasia ranges. In May 2010, Ilford Imaging Switzerland GmbH was bought by Paradigm Global Partners LLP. Ilford announced the transition of their popular Galerie range into 5-star Galerie Prestige, in 2012 as well as the launch of the 4½-star Galerie Premium range.

Premium choice of papers

Ilford Photo offers an extensive range of black-and-white photographic paper. A photographer’s choice of paper is a subjective decision based on personal tastes and preferences. It can also be impacted by the type of images you shoot and the final look you want to achieve.

Variety of surfaces:

The surface of the paper will help determine the final look and feel of the print. There are several choices and this is where personal preference and the image you are printing will determine which one you go for.

  • Glossy: a smooth surface that can boost contrast and make blacks pop and whites shine bright.
  • Pearl: a subtle pearlescent finish that helps images look sharp and clear with added depth.
  • Satin: a smooth finish without the shine of gloss or pearl but all the contrast.
  • Matte: a smooth, clean and natural-looking surface without the shine of a gloss. Perfect for lighting conditions where reflections may impact the viewing of a gloss paper.
  • Semi-matte: a smooth and natural-looking finish with similar qualities and attributes to most matte surfaces.

We stock the following Ilford photographic papers: 

  • Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Pearl Photo Paper: The Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Pearl photo paper features the very latest HDR (High Dynamic Range) optically clear coating and coupled with recent advancements in resin-coated inkjet receiving layer design, makes this the reference media for producing images with superb clarity, high sharpness and excellent colour gamut.
  • Ilford Galerie Prestige Metallic Gloss Photo Paper: The Ilford Galerie Prestige Metallic Gloss photo paper offers photographers the ability to print images with a true wow factor. The resin-coated paper is 260gsm and is suitable for creating display and exhibition prints or alternatively prints can be added to photo albums or portfolio work for additional impact.
  • Ilford Galerie Prestige Textured Cotton Rag Photo Paper: Ilford Galerie Prestige Textured Cotton Rag is a 100% cotton Fourdrinier-made rag paper offering longevity, image stability and a clean matte surface that renders beautiful crisp detail. With no optical brighteners and high colour consistency, this 310gsm paper leads the way in professional fine art printing.
  • Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Photo Paper: The Ilford Galerie Prestige Fine Art Smooth offers a cellulose alternative capable of delivering stunning contrast and sharpness with a large colour gamut. It is also very qualified for black-and-white reproduction.

Art of Print offers a selection of Ilford Galerie Prestige fine art papers:

Textured Silk

Ilford Galerie Fine Art Textured Silk

Ilford Galerie Fine Art Textured Silk

Ilford Galerie Prestige Fine Art Textured Silk is a warm tone paper that offers a 25% cotton and 75% cellulose alternative capable of delivering stunning contrast and sharpness with a large colour gamut. Also perfect for black-and-white reproduction.

  • Weight: 270gsm
  • Surface: Textured Matte
  • Media Type: Fine art paper
  • Maximum print size: 1.1m x 3m (44 inches)
Smooth Cotton Rag

Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Rag

Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Rag

Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Cotton Rag is a 100% cotton Fourdrinier-made rag paper offering longevity, image stability and a clean matte surface that renders beautiful crisp detail. With no optical brighteners and high colour consistency, this 310gsm paper leads the way in professional fine art printing.

  • Weight: 310gsm
  • Surface: Matte
  • Media Type: Fine art paper
  • Maximum print size: 1.5m x 3m (60 inches)
Gold Fibre Gloss

Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Gloss

Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Gloss

Ilford Galerie Prestige Gold Fibre Gloss is a 100% cotton rag paper ideal for high-quality black-and-white printing and offers an exceptional wide gamut for colour, detail and tonality. This perfect traditional photo paper is reminiscent of papers produced for the darkroom. With no optical brighteners, and a seamless transition between contrast, shadow detail and highlight areas, this paper is a sure winner.

  • Weight: 310gsm
  • Surface: Matte
  • Media Type: Fine art paper
  • Maximum print size: 1.5m x 3m (60 inches)
Satin

Photo by Gunther Swart and printed on Ilford Galerie Prestige Satin

Ilford Galerie Satin

Ilford Galerie Prestige Satin is a heavyweight, high-quality 260gsm inkjet photographic paper offering accurate reproductive qualities, extended longevity and a robust surface for exceptional yet durable prints. The lustre surface is perfect for every type of image genre from stunning portraits and scenic landscapes to wildlife, mono conversions, abstracts, macros or architecture.

  • Weight: 260gsm
  • Surface: Lustre/Satin
  • Media Type: Photo paper
  • Maximum print size: 1.1m x 3m (44 inches)
Galerie Gloss

Photo by Wim Van Den Heever and printed on Ilford Galerie Prestige Gloss

Ilford Galerie Gloss

Ilford Galerie Prestige Gloss has a smooth glossy surface with a broad colour gamut for brilliant and accurate colour reproduction making it an ideal medium for high-quality photographic paper prints. It also boasts extended longevity and a robust surface for exceptional and durable prints.

  • Weight: 260gsm
  • Surface: Gloss
  • Media Type: Photo paper
  • Maximum print size: 1.1m x 3m (44 inches)

Prints that enhance your quality of life

Whether you want to bring new life to your home or work space with quality prints or need a reliable printer for life-size museum-quality prints, Art of Print will gladly advise you on the best paper to take your work from ordinary to extraordinary. You are welcome to contact us with your request as we do custom sizes as well. In the meantime, check out the various mounting and framing options available.