Tube Map Art Print Specifications

Tube Map Art Print Specifications

Every map I sell is printed and framed to archival Giclée standards, matching the level of research and detail that goes into each design. These are proper ready-to-hang fan gifts, not flat-packed kits or plastic shortcuts. Below are the full specifications for the paper, frames and glazing that underpin the production process at mikebellmaps.com.

Tube Map Art Print Specifications at a Glance

• Available in two sizes, A2 and A1, plus the US equivalents 24 x 18in and 36 x 24in
• Supplied unframed, or as a ready-to-hang framed art print, fully assembled out of the box
• Handmade Italian wooden frames in solid, real wood
• Available in black
• Slim modern gallery profile: 1.5cm wide and deep on A2, 2cm wide and deep on A1
• Premium plexiglass glazing, lightweight and shatter-resistant for safe global shipping
• Museum-quality Giclée printing for exceptional detail and colour accuracy
• 230gsm premium fine art paper with a textured matte finish
• Archival, acid-free stock for long-term colour stability
• Pre-fitted sawtooth hangers and rubber bumpers, ready for portrait or landscape display
• Made to order, printed locally, shipped worldwide in protective packaging

Printed Globally

I work with a network of vetted local print partners across the UK, Europe, North America and beyond. Every print in my catalogue is produced to the same museum-quality Giclée standard wherever it is made, with local printing in international markets to reduce shipping miles and avoid unnecessary customs charges for customers.

Paper Specifications

All prints are produced on 230gsm premium fine art paper, an archival-grade, acid-free stock with a textured matte surface that holds the fine line work my discography maps depend on.

• Weight: 230gsm, substantial in the hand, with the heft you would expect from a gallery print
• Finish: Textured matte, natural white
• Surface: Enhances depth without losing print clarity
• Acid-free: Yes, archival grade, designed for long-term colour stability
• Print method: Museum-quality Giclée for exceptional detail and colour accuracy, ideal for the dense typography on my maps, from session musician credits to film plot quotes

Sizes

• A2: 420 x 594mm, sold in the US as 24 x 18in
• A1: 594 x 841mm, sold in the US as 36 x 24in

A1 is the size I point most people at where the wall allows it, because the branch lines and the smaller credits stay legible.

Frame Types and Materials

• Material: Solid, real wood construction
• Finish: Black
• Poster frames: Handmade Italian wooden frames paired with high-quality plexiglass
• Unframed: The print on its own, supplied rolled in protective packaging

Frame Dimensions and Profile

• A2 (and up to 50 x 70cm): 1.5cm wide, 1.5cm deep, slim modern gallery profile
• A1 (and above): 2cm wide, 2cm deep, a more substantial frame on the larger prints

Premium Plexiglass Glazing

Protecting the artwork is the priority, but so is ensuring it arrives in one piece. Every framed print is glazed with 1-2mm premium plexiglass as standard.

• Crystal-clear viewing surface
• Lightweight, which keeps shipping costs and impact down
• Virtually shatterproof in global transit, particularly on the larger A1 prints, where glass becomes a real risk
• Safer to handle when you are hanging or rearranging the print

Assembly and Hanging

• Framed prints arrive fully assembled and ready to hang, no extra hardware needed
• Sawtooth hangers pre-installed for quick mounting
• Turn buttons included for easy access to the back panel
• Rubber bumpers fitted to protect walls and keep the frame level
• Suitable for both portrait and landscape display

Made to Order, Printed Locally, Shipped Globally

Every print is made on demand, never warehoused. That means fresher prints, no overproduction, and the flexibility to keep my catalogue at mikebellmaps.com growing without having to hold stock.

Wherever possible, prints are produced as close as possible to the delivery address, which means faster delivery and fewer customs surprises. The same museum-quality Giclée standard, whether the print is heading to Brighton or Brooklyn. Packaged in custom-engineered protective packaging for the journey.

For more on local fulfilment, see my locally printed tube maps delivery page.