Storms, Floods, and Silver Linings: An Update from the HM Workshop
- Louise Moore
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
They say the first few weeks of January set the tone for the year. If that’s the case, 2026 is going to be… well, eventful!
While most of the UK was hunkering down for Storm Goretti as it battered the country, the team here at HM Canvases was dealing with the reality of 4 inches of snow. Getting into the workshop was an art form in itself—we spent most of the morning performing an unintentional ice-skating routine across the car park just to reach the front door.
But the real "warm" welcome was waiting for us inside.
The Great Flood of 2026
Upon opening the shutters, we were met with a flood. Fortunately, the "Canvas Gods" were smiling on us; the water was contained entirely within our dispatch area. We are incredibly lucky to report that not a single canvas or roll of stock was damaged.
It took three days of intensive cleaning to get the workshop back to professional standards. In true British fashion, we managed a temporary fix for the roof using a "Heath Robinson" style construction made of guttering and sheer determination. It’s not pretty, but it’s dry!
What a great start to the year! :-)
Catching Our Breath
Cleaning up the aftermath has meant we are running slightly behind our usual schedule. We pride ourselves on our lead times, so we appreciate your patience while we catch back up. We are almost there, and your orders are moving through the workshop as we speak.
More News: The "Made to Measure" Canvas Builder is Coming!
Despite the weather, we’ve been working on something behind the scenes that we know will make your studio life much easier.
We are excited to announce that our new Made to Measure Canvas Builder is launching soon. For the first time, you’ll be able to add a professional Tray Frame directly to your bespoke canvas order in one click.
Why Choose a Tray Frame?
Also known as "Floating Frames," these are the gold standard for finishing a modern painting. Instead of covering the edge of your work, the canvas sits inside the frame with a small gap, creating the illusion that the artwork is floating. It protects the edges while letting the full composition breathe.
Why order them together?
Ordering your frame at the same time as your blank canvas isn't just about convenience—it’s about being smart with your studio budget.
Significant Savings: It is much more cost-effective to buy them as a pair. For example, a 100x80cm canvas with a tray frame through our new builder will cost £205.38. If you were to buy the canvas now and a frame later, the total would be £254.97. That’s a saving of 20% on your framing costs.
Studio Efficiency: You no longer have to finish a painting and then navigate the logistics of taking a large-scale work to a local framer. Your work arrives ready to be painted, and once dry, it's already "gallery-ready."
Custom Finishes: You can choose from Natural Wood (perfect if you want to stain or paint the frame to match your palette), Sleek Black, or Crisp White.
Versatility: Our tray frames are available for canvases up to 40mm deep, providing that rock-solid, professional finish for even our chunkier bespoke stretches.
Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be announcing the official launch of the builder very soon.
In the meantime, stay dry, stay warm, and thank you for supporting our workshop!
The HM Canvases Team
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