The Fall Gift for Fans | Music Tube Map Art Print

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.

Tube Map Print Accuracy & Updates

Every one of my prints is the result of my detailed research, cross-referencing, and design refinement. Each tube map is handcrafted to present the most accurate possible picture of an artist’s recording history, a film’s storyline, or a cultural timeline.

I take pride in the precision behind every connection, date, and credit featured across the collection.

Meticulous Research, Human Process

My research combines album liner notes, musicians' inputs, session archives, fan databases, interviews, and verified public sources to ensure each map is factually sound.

However, even the most carefully researched projects can contain minor errors or omissions, especially when dealing with complex discographies and multi-decade histories.

Community Feedback & Collaboration

I actively welcome feedback from fans, collectors, and artists who spot inconsistencies or have new information to share. Each correction helps refine future editions and strengthens the historical accuracy of the maps.

Contributors who provide verified updates receive discounts on future orders as a thank-you for their diligence and support.

Commitment to Quality

Accuracy isn’t just a promise, it’s part of the creative process. Every update and reprint reflects a commitment to truth, design integrity, and respect for the Music, Movie, and other stories represented.

I value the relationship with my customers and the collaboration that ensures these works continue to evolve and stay relevant.

I will always strive to combine artistic expression with documentary accuracy, celebrating creativity through precision and openness.

How to Care for Your Art Print

Thank you for choosing a Mike Bell Maps Giclee Print. To ensure your artwork remains as vibrant as the day it was printed for the next century, please follow these professional handling guidelines:

1. The "Clean Hands" Rule - Giclee prints are created with archival pigment inks that sit on the surface of the 230 gsm paper. Natural skin oils can transfer to the ink. We recommend washing and drying your hands thoroughly before handling or wearing white cotton "archival" gloves if available.

2. Avoid the "Roll-Back" - If your print arrived in a tube, let it flatten naturally. Lay it on a clean, flat surface and place a few heavy, smooth objects (like books) on the corners. Never roll the print tightly in the opposite direction, as this can "stress" the heavy paper fibres and cause creasing.

3. Framing is Protection - To ensure the 100+ year lightfastness guarantee, we recommend framing your print behind UV-protective glass or acrylic. Always use acid-free mounting materials (like the mounts provided in our framed options) to prevent "paper burn" or yellowing over time.

4. Location Matters - While our inks are gallery-standard, prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight can eventually affect any pigment. For maximum longevity, hang your map in a location that avoids consistent direct afternoon sun and high-humidity environments (like bathrooms).

5. Dusting - If your print is unframed, never use water or cleaning sprays. A soft, dry microfiber cloth or a clean squirrel-hair brush is all that is needed to remove surface dust.