Atlantis Art Materials — Attraction in London

The largest of London's art suppliers, purportedly with the greatest range, but the things they do well enough are some papers, stretchers, canvas and some professional bespoke needs. They could be better in other areas, but every time I turn up, I always disappointedly find parts of shelves and sections that are empty and haven't been restocked - colours or items missing out of ranges or even whole shelves vacant. In this they have poor stock control and restocking procedures and it is sometimes just pot luck whether they will have your item in stock - often without an idea as to when it'll be resupplied. Although they cater to professionals, it comes across as more a large student art supplier with some high-end and professional items, as the range selection for some items seems more perfunctory than extensive. I have visited art suppliers in other countries and there are many areas that could be improved and a more complete range supplied. For instance, although there are many other options, I was surprised to learn that they no longer carry the classic Conté compressed drawing crayons. Even though there are many other art suppliers in London, none of them are 'go to' places where you can supply almost all your needs. This is surprising for a city of 8 million people and a treasure trove of artists. Therefore, you will be visiting Atlantis for the particulars that you know they do well - for certain things this still stands true - but travelling to other suppliers and ordering online to compliment your...

Called in to enquire about a possible exchanged I needed for a couple of frames a purchased that weren't the right size.

I explained that I did not have the receipt and had purchased the items a few weeks ago which are unopened. Also that I was going to purchase more frames on top of the exchange.

After explaining that they do not return frames she asked her Manager if that was possible and they allowed it on this occasion which is great.

When telling her again I didn't have a receipt she quickly complained and said that she "was doing me a favour and now I want more?". I was pretty shocked by the comment.

She went away to ask her manager again then came back sighing that it was ok as long as it was in a saleable condition (which it is).

I asked for her name so I wouldn't have to explain everything again when I got to the store which she gave me. I told her I would be there later today and she said that she wouldn't be there to help and laughed.

Pretty shocked by the service over the phone. I appreciate that they are helping me outside of their policy however the tone and language used seemed like I was just being a nuisance and they quickly wanted me gone.

I really do home my visit in store today is...

I purchased 25 large sheets (1372mm x 1016mm) of Heritage Drawing Paper - 315gsm from Atlantis on two occasions. I need the sheets to be in good condition so that I can run them through my Plotter/Cutter and I have to say that I'm blown away by how good Atlantis is!

Each time, they packaged the sheets up in cardboard in order to help them to retain their flatness. Atlantis take such care in the wrapping and I'm so grateful for this whenever I receive the order, because they always arrive in immaculate condition.

The customer service is also great. I was delayed overseas and they kindly rearranged the delivery for me (using their driver) for later in the week, even though they had already loaded their van.

I only have good things to say about everyone that I spoke with (giving advice etc) over the phone and also the driver, who is a nice guy. I look forward to ordering more from them in the future and I highly recommend Atlantis to anyone considering using them for art supplies.

I meant to write this review for some time, because I hope other people will read this and decide to give...