A Big Announcement from Lewis & Glenys!
Impressions Picture Framers and Art Supplies – Our Story
Impressions was founded by Lewis and Glenys Della Bosca in 1983. Today the business is one of the few independently owned comprehensive fine art supplies retailers in New Zealand, and with picture framers accredited by the Fine Art Trade Guild (London) delivers competitively priced, high-quality workmanship with an immense range of options (from basic to museum standard). The picture framing and art supplies sections are run side-by-side, each complementing the other.
Lewis and Glenys are traditionalists - are firm believers in informed face-to-face customer service; and their wonderful staff (some who have been with them for many years) all have degrees or qualifications in their particular areas of expertise and are able to assist with any aspect of art and framing – a point of difference when these days the main competition can be the internet and on-line shopping.
There have been many challenges over the years. Remember those days of 18% and 20% interest rates? It has not always been easy, but we listened to our customers and chose to adapt and evolve. What began as a simple print and poster gallery in Nelson soon had picture framing added, and within a couple of years a second branch with our picture framing workshop was opened in Richmond. When cashflow needed to be stimulated a magazine sales agency was taken on, but again after listening to our customers, this gave way to the introduction of artists supplies. At the same time the print and poster business was sold and the Nelson operation closed. In 2001 Impressions moved to the current Sundial Square location. Subsequent expansion enabled a studio space to be added, and Glenys developed a range of very popular art classes, but it became uneconomic to continue these when she retired.
We quietly worked away, persevered when other businesses faltered and have become an integral part of the local arts scene, supporting numerous community and national art groups and initiatives including PANZ (Pastel Artists of New Zealand). We sponsored a graduation prize for the arts degree programme offered through NMIT (Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology) and were founders of the (now independent) increasingly prestigious annual Tasman National Art Awards.
The Future for Impressions
Unfortunately, circumstances have changed. Glenys retired three years ago, and health issues effectively brought about Lewis’ unplanned retirement in the middle of last year. Extra staff filled the gap, but this coincided with the economic downturn. The additional wage bills and overheads met reduced sales and profits. While Impressions has sound bones and an excellent reputation both locally and nationally, it is simply no longer viable to operate just as an investment. Impressions needs new working owners with the vision, energy and resources to make the most of this exciting opportunity and take it into a new era. Lewis and Glenys know it can be done, but after 43 years it is someone else’s turn! This business is for sale as a going concern! – lock, stock and barrel! But all options will be considered.
Expressions of interest should be directed to Glenys (ph 021 176 0495 or email delabos1@yahoo.co.nz).
Introducing Impressions
Impressions is your one-stop shop for artists in the Top of the South Island, carrying an extensive range of fine art supplies, and offering a custom picture framing service provided by two very experienced Fine Art Trade Guild (UK) trained Commended Picture Framers, Lewis Della Bosca and Penny Lennard.
Owners Lewis and Glenys Della Bosca have been building the business since 1983, so have a wealth of experience to call on. Although art supplies are a more recent addition, Glenys has made it her business to learn about art products in-depth. We are always happy to advise on the product that will best suit your needs by experienced artists Audrey Anderson, Charlotte Lipp and Michelle Woollaston.
Product Range
The range of art supplies offered extends from fine art quality right down through to student and play level. In most categories, Impressions offers a range of brands to satisfy differing demands. Only products which meet Impressions’ exacting criteria are stocked - any product which does not is deleted from their range. It is interesting to note that customers from the large centres often make a bee-line for Impressions when visiting the area, to pick up products they cannot locate in their home town. You are welcome to get in contact if you need to order a special art product.
Take a GOOGLE VIRTUAL TOUR around Impressions.
Regular Shop Hours
Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Saturday - 10am - 1pm
Sundays and Public Holidays - Closed
(Open times may vary between Christmas and New Years)
See below for more information on the Impressions Art Club and Studio Hire.
Unison Colour Soft Pastels at Impressions
Despite Unison Colour discontinuing retail stockists, we still have plenty of pastels in stock and can supply most colours. Visit Impressions to see our available colours while stocks last.
Contact us for to place your order at impressions@actrix.co.nz
Impressions Art Club
A loyalty scheme offers customers a 10% discount on all art material purchases (excluding magazines and otherwise discounted products) and custom framing of artworks created by the customer when a minimum of $200 nett purchases have been recorded on a purchase record. Just take a few moments on your next visit to fill in the application form and you will soon be reaping the benefits without any obligations, costs or time limits.
Supporting Artists
Supporting Impressions
Impressions has a proud record of supporting local artist groups through sponsorships, guest speaker presentations, free art tuition directory for the Top of the South Island. We have been the principal sponsor of the Impressions Art Awards - now Tasman National Art Awards.
MAIL ORDER SERVICE
The ideal is for customers to visit the store to discuss their needs to see and touch the range of products available. But that is not always possible - especially as Impressions’ clientele spreads from the West Coast through to Golden Bay, Marlborough and beyond, as well as Richmond and Nelson. Impressions has opted not to provide an on-line catalogue, preferring to work with the customer by phone or email, to identify the products which are the most appropriate and are happy to send these throughout New Zealand (and indeed the world). Payments can be made for products by on-line direct credit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). A popular service offered is sending gift vouchers to locals from family and friends living overseas. Gift vouchers can be redeemed for art materials, art classes and picture framing.
Studio Hire
When the Impressions Studio is not in use, it is available to hire by private art tutors. It is suited to running small classes, one-to-one lessons and meetings. Full details are available on application.