Who We Are

Graphics Direct (trading name of GDL Supplies Ltd) is one of the UK's leading specialist retailers of graphic art supplies, technical drawing equipment, Pantone colour guides and display materials. Founded in 1998 and based at Rudgate Business Park in Tockwith, North Yorkshire, we have been supplying professional designers, architects, engineers, illustrators and students across the UK for over 25 years.

We are a family-owned independent business —  When you call us on 01423 359 730 you speak to someone who knows the products, understands your discipline, and can give you genuinely informed advice. That has been our promise since we opened in 1998 and it remains so today.

Our Credentials

• Official Authorised UK Pantone Partner — we are one of the very few authorised UK Pantone distributors, supplying the complete and genuine Pantone range to designers, brand managers, printers and packaging professionals across the UK. Every Pantone guide we sell is a current-edition, 100% genuine product — not grey market or parallel import.
• Official Pantone Education Distributor — we are Pantone's designated education distributor for UK universities and colleges, supplying course kits and Pantone colour guides at educational pricing to architecture, graphic design and fashion design programmes nationwide.
• Winsor & Newton Authorised Stockist — authorised UK stockist of the full Winsor & Newton ProMarker and BrushMarker range, including all current sets, singles and limited editions.
• Gilman Brothers Authorised UK Distributor — authorised UK distributor of Gilman Brothers Insite professional-grade foam board — the standard choice of the UK print and display industry.
• Artgecko — UK-Made Sketchbooks — we stock the Artgecko brand of premium sketchbooks, manufactured in Otley, Yorkshire. FSC certified, UK-made and trusted by art students and professional illustrators.
• GraphicPro — Our Own Brand Drawing Instruments — the GraphicPro range of drawing boards, sketchbooks, templates and accessories is designed and specified by us, manufactured to our exacting standards and represents outstanding value for professional and student users.

Who We Serve

Our customers span the full breadth of the UK creative and technical professions:

• Graphic designers and brand managers — Pantone guides, ProMarkers, fineliner pens and presentation materials
• Architects and architectural students — drawing boards, technical drawing instruments, tracing paper and scale rules. We supply drawing equipment to many of the UK's leading architecture schools.
• Fashion designers and textile buyers — the complete Pantone FHI (Fashion, Home + Interiors) range including cotton swatch libraries and colour planners
• Illustrators and fine artists — sketchbooks, Winsor & Newton ProMarkers, coloured pencils and airbrush equipment
• Print and display professionals — foam board, self-adhesive board, Gatorfoam and 3M spray adhesives
• Universities and colleges — we supply course kits, drawing equipment and art supplies to design schools, architecture departments and fashion colleges across the UK
• Model makers and cosplay creators — foam board, cutting tools, adhesives and specialist materials

Our Brands

Artgecko Sketchbooks are manufactured in Otley, Yorkshire — a town with a proud paper-making heritage. Every Artgecko sketchbook uses FSC-certified 150gsm acid-free cartridge paper and is built to last. The range includes the Classy casebound range, Swanky leather-cover journals, and Classy wirebound sketchbooks in sizes from A5 to A2. Artgecko is trusted by art students, professional illustrators and designers who want a premium UK-made sketchbook at a fair price.

GraphicPro Drawing Boards and Instruments are specified and quality-controlled by us. The GraphicPro A1, A2 and A3 drawing boards with parallel motion are used in architecture schools and design studios across the UK, and represent a genuinely professional specification at an accessible price point. The GraphicPro range also includes sketchpads, templates, scale rules, and technical drawing accessories.

Why Choose Graphics Direct?

• Genuine expert advice — our team understand the products and the industries they serve. We can tell you which Pantone guide you need, which drawing board is right for your course, and which foam board is appropriate for your application.
• Same-day despatch — orders placed before 3.15pm Monday to Thursday are despatched the same day via DPD with full tracking. (if stock is available and next working day is selected)
• Free UK delivery on orders over £75 — to mainland UK addresses.
• Genuine products — every Pantone guide, Winsor & Newton product and branded item we sell is 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorised UK distributors.
• University and student pricing — as Pantone's education distributor we offer educational pricing to verified universities, colleges and students. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
• Trade and account pricing — for design studios, print companies and regular trade buyers we offer account terms and volume pricing. Call 01423 359 730 to discuss.

Our Story

Graphics Direct was founded in 1998 by Chris Booth & Paul Hawkridge with a simple mission — to give design students and creative professionals access to professional-quality graphic art supplies at fair prices. In the early days that meant competing with London-based art shops that charged a premium simply because they could. Twenty-five years later the landscape has changed but the mission hasn't.

We've grown from a small mail-order operation into one of the UK's most respected specialist suppliers, with a warehouse operation in North Yorkshire, direct relationships with the world's leading creative brands, and our own manufactured product lines. But we're still a family business and we still pick up the phone.

The Pantone partnership is something we're particularly proud of. Becoming an authorised UK Pantone partner isn't simply a matter of applying — it requires demonstrating genuine expertise, a commitment to stocking the complete and current range, and the ability to support professional users with informed advice. We've held that partnership for many years and we take it seriously.

Contact and Location

GDL Supplies Ltd (trading as Graphics Direct)
Unit 16, Rudgate Business Park
Tockwith, York
YO26 7RD

Telephone: 01423 359 730
Email: sales@graphicsdirect.co.uk
Web: www.graphicsdirect.co.uk

Office hours: Monday–Thursday 8.00am–4.30pm | Friday 8.00am–4.00pm
VAT Registration: GB227523025 | Companies House: 8679216

Meet our team

Chris Booth

Director

Chris is one of the founders of Graphics Direct and brings over 35 years of experience in the Graphic Art industry. His career began at Simair Graphics before he launched Graphics Direct in 1998.

Chris is known for his dedication to customer satisfaction, always eager to connect with clients and help them find the perfect products for their needs. A firm believer in supporting small British businesses, Chris values a personal approach, ensuring customers can always speak to a knowledgeable team member.

Outside of work, Chris is a passionate sports enthusiast, with a particular love for golf and rugby (though he’s now a spectator of the latter). A proud family man, he has two grown children, one of whom, Grace, works alongside him in the marketing and social media department of the business.

Paul Hawkridge

Director

Paul Hawkridge joined Graphics Direct in 1999, when the business was in its infancy. As a former customer and seasoned professional in the exhibition industry with 12 years of experience, Paul saw an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing company—and he’s been a key player in its success ever since. With a sharp eye on logistics, Paul also oversees website management, email marketing, and keeps a close watch on industry trends and competitors, helping Graphics Direct stay a step ahead.

Outside of work, Paul embraces the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales with his young family. He spends his free time cycling, walking, and making the most of quality family moments in the great outdoors.

Paul Dawson

Product Manager

With over 20 years of experience at Graphics Direct, Paul Dawson is a cornerstone of our team. As the head of product buying, Paul has an impressive knowledge of our entire range, particularly airbrushes, spray booths, and other technical products. His expertise ensures we always have the best options available for our customers.

Paul’s dedication goes beyond his professional role—he’s a devoted family man, proud father, and grandfather to three, who loves spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren. Known for his great sense of humour, Paul is always keeping the office lively and his colleagues on their toes.

Grace Booth

Online Marketing Manager

Grace Booth joined Graphics Direct as a fresh-faced apprentice at just 16, diving straight into the world of online marketing and social media. Over her two-year apprenticeship, she honed her skills and quickly qualified in her field. Now, five years on, Grace manages the online marketing for Graphics Direct, driving our digital presence and connecting with customers through various platforms.

Outside the office, Grace has a passion for horses and is an accomplished show jumper. She finds joy in the countryside, where she spends her free time outdoors, fully embracing her love for nature and adventure.

Graphics Direct doing good for the Environment

Conscious of the ever-growing impact of climate change and our own carbon footprint on the environment we have made a commitment to offset our carbon emissions by planting a tree for every order over £100. There’s a real feel good factor to this scheme and we are excited to offer it to all our valued customers.

Together we can make a change - so far we've planted over 5000 trees!

What our customers are saying

Performed better than Amazon.

Easy to order and the delivery was fast. The goods that I ordered were much cheaper than on Amazon so from now on your have my custom.

Very speed dispatch and amazingly packaged items.

I can't recommend Graphics Direct enough. The most painless experience I've had when ordering online and will absolutely be ordering from them again!

Love my buying experience from this site.

Great range, fabulous packing, fast posting. Already looking at next purchase... thank you.

I have used Graphics Direct for many years.

They are very professional and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to purchase good quality products at realistic prices.