What Metro Imaging does

Metro Imaging is a London-based professional photographic printing laboratory operating under the legal entity Genesis Imaging Limited (registered in England, Company No. 3474733). Founded in 1980, the company provides high-end C-Type photographic printing using Lambda laser exposure technology on Fuji Crystal Archive papers, Hahnemuhle and Canson-certified Fine Art Giclée printing, genuine black-and-white silver gelatin printing developed in collaboration with Harman Technology, and Direct-to-Media UV inkjet printing on a Jetrix flatbed capable of printing on substrates up to 3m x 2m. Supporting services include nine substrate options for mounting (Acrylic, Dibond, Aluminium, Foamex, Foamboard, MDF, Kapa, Card, Reverse Perspex), bespoke hand framing up to 10ft x 6ft, and a scanning department with drum, flatbed, and CCD scanners.

The company operates a tiered service model spanning Bespoke Premier (with dedicated production manager, colour management, master file archiving), Bespoke Standard, and a transactional Self-Service online ordering tier. Customers include tier-1 UK cultural institutions (Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, V&A, Barbican, Somerset House, Saatchi Gallery, White Cube), leading photographers (Sarah Jones, Mariano Vivanco, Rankin, Mario Testino, Mark Edwards), photography agencies (Magnum, Getty), and fashion/media brands (Vogue). Distribution is UK-domestic, primarily served from two London facilities at Hurlingham Business Park (HQ and main lab) and Great Sutton Street (mounting and finishing). GTM is hybrid: enterprise bespoke account management for institutional and high-end individual clients, alongside digital self-service for transactional volume.

Metro Imaging holds a Royal Warrant and CANSON Certified Print Lab status (2022), and has run an RCA Photography MA Mentorship Award since 2005 with partner universities including UCLan and Portsmouth, functioning as a long-term talent and customer pipeline. In 2025, Metro became part of Genesis Imaging Group under a "Metro Genesis" brand consolidation. Revenue model is exclusively project-based per-job pricing with no subscription, licensing, or recurring contracted revenue disclosed.

Name

Metro Imaging

Legal name

Genesis Imaging Limited

Website

https://metroimaging.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Metro Imaging is a London-based professional photographic printing lab offering C-Type, Giclée, B&W silver gelatin, and Direct-to-Media UV printing, plus mounting, framing, and scanning, primarily serving UK galleries, museums, and professional photographers with tiered bespoke and self-service options.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Photographic Printing Services

NAICS

Photofinishing Laboratories (except One-Hour) (812921), Photographic Services (54192)

SIC

Services-Photofinishing Laboratories (7384), Commercial Printing (2750)

akta.pro primary industry

Large-Format & Specialty Printing (Signage, Posters, Displays) (MPAJALAD)

Keywords

• Professional photo printing
• Fine art giclée printing
• Photographic mounting services
• Picture framing services
• Film scanning services

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Professional Photo Printing Services: C-Type professional photo printing, Giclee fine art printing, Black & White printing using Lambda and inkjet technologies. Pricing varies by size, paper type, and service level (Bespoke Premier vs Standard)
2. Mounting Services: Professional mounting on 9 different materials including acrylic, dibond, aluminium, MDF, foamex, foamboard, Kapa, and card for exhibitions and interiors
3. Picture Framing Services: Bespoke hand-framing service for photographic prints and original art up to 10ft x 6ft; dedicated Vauxhall framing department handles frames up to 8ft x 4ft
4. Film Scanning Services: Professional film scanning including drum scans, CCD film scans, flatbed scans, and volume archive scans for digitising analogue archives
5. Student Services and Mentorship: 20% student discount on all services, mentorship programme partnerships with educational institutions

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Metro Imaging is a professional photographic printing laboratory providing C-Type photo printing on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, Fine Art Giclée printing on Hahnemuhle and Canson certified papers, Black & White silver gelatin printing, and Direct to Media UV printing on substrates up to 3m x 2m. The lab also offers photographic mounting on nine substrate materials, bespoke picture framing up to 10ft x 6ft, and a full film scanning department with drum, flatbed, and CCD scanners. Tiered service levels include Bespoke Premier (with dedicated production manager), Bespoke Standard, and Self-Service online ordering.

Product overview

Metro Imaging operates as a professional photographic printing laboratory offering a comprehensive suite of printing, mounting, framing, and scanning services. The core offering includes C Type Professional Photo Printing using Lambda technology on Fuji Crystal Archive papers, Fine Art Giclée Printing with Hahnemuhle and Canson certification on archival papers, Black & White Photo Printing using Harman Technology silver gelatin processes, and Direct to Media UV Printing on the Jetrix UV flatbed printer. These primary printing services are supported by nine distinct mounting material options (Acrylic, Reverse Perspex, Aluminium, Dibond, Foamex, Foamboard, MDF, Kapa, and Card), bespoke picture framing with sizes up to 10ft x 6ft, and a full scanning department with drum, flatbed, and CCD scanners. The company offers tiered service levels including Bespoke Premier (with dedicated production manager and full colour management), Bespoke Standard, and Self Service options. Metro Imaging specializes in exhibition production services for artists and photographers, and maintains dedicated student services with 20% discounts. With over 40 years of experience, the company serves galleries, museums, and professional photographers across the UK.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• C-Type Professional Photo Printing Professional C-Type photographic printing using Lambda laser exposure technology, producing archival quality prints on Fuji Crystal Archive paper with the tonal benefits of traditional photographic papers combined with digital advantages. For professional photographers, artists, galleries, and museums.
• Fine Art Giclée Printing Gallery-quality inkjet fine art printing on Hahnemuhle and Canson watercolour papers using advanced inkjet technologies. Studio holds Hahnemuhle and Canson Giclée Certified Studio status with over 30 years of photographic printing experience. For artists creating fine art reproductions, illustrations, and limited editions.
• Black & White Photo Printing Genuine B&W silver gelatin printing developed in collaboration with Harman Technology, offering Fibre-Based (exhibition quality) and Resin-Coated options from digital files. For fine art photographers and exhibition producers.
• Direct to Media UV Printing UV printing directly onto flat materials up to 3m x 2m, less than 10cm thick, using a Jetrix UV inkjet flatbed printer. Capable of printing on paper, card, aluminium, Perspex, canvas, wood, slate, and other substrates. For exhibition designers, galleries, and commercial installations.
• Vinyl Printing Self-adhesive vinyl printing (Phototex) using direct to media printer, producing high-quality Giclée finish suitable for wall covering applications in strips up to 1.5m x 3m, applied to walls in the fashion of wallpaper. For interior displays, exhibitions, and commercial spaces.
• Photo Mounting Professional photographic mounting service with 9 material options including Acrylic, Reverse Perspex, Aluminium, Dibond, Foamex, Foamboard, MDF, Kapa, and Card. Facilities to mount works up to 3m x 1.8m. For exhibitions, galleries, and interior installations.
• Picture Framing Bespoke hand-crafted picture framing service for photographic prints and original art with facilities to frame works up to 10ft x 6ft. Options for various mouldings, glazing, and fixing methods. Dedicated Vauxhall framing department handles frames up to 8ft x 4ft. For galleries, museums, and individual collectors.
• Photographic Scanning Services Photographic film scanning department with drum scanner, flatbed scanner, and CCD scanning capabilities for capturing exceptional detail and tone. Includes volume archive scanning for complete film libraries and vintage materials. For archives, museums, photographers, and collectors.
• Exhibition Production Services Comprehensive exhibition services for artists and photographers including bespoke mounting and framing with production management from concept to installation. For galleries, museums, cultural institutions, and professional photographers producing exhibitions.

Quantifiable outcome

• CANSON Certified Print Lab status - international certification programme qualifying Digital Fine Art and Photo Print Labs at highest level
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• CHANEL Culture FundminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023The CHANEL Culture Fund supported 'Yevonde: Life and Colour' exhibition at National Portrait Gallery. Metro provided exhibition services including scanning and archival printing and framing for this exhibition.
• Bloomberg PhilanthropiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Bloomberg Philanthropies supported 'Paul McCartney: Eyes of the Storm' exhibition. Metro provided exhibition services across all departments for this major National Portrait Gallery exhibition.
• HI-NOONminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership for inaugural exhibition at Arles 2019. HI-NOON is an online platform for photographers and artists. Metro provides exhibition printing services for the inaugural exhibition showcasing emerging talent.
• Free RangecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Long-standing collaboration with Free Range Graduate showcase at Truman Brewery. Metro established mentorship programme in 2005 delivering hundreds of bespoke mentoring opportunities. Annual mentorship awards for emerging graduate photographers.
• Royal College of Art (RCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Since 2005, Metro and RCA have offered a one-year bespoke Mentorship Award supporting photography MA graduates. Winners receive in-lab sessions with Master Printers, professional development evaluation, marketing and networking support.
• University of Central LancashireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner for Free Range mentorship award. Student Jade Weir selected as 2023 mentorship winner from this institution.
• University of PortsmouthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner for Free Range mentorship award. Student Tiago Valeiro selected as 2023 mentorship winner from this institution.
• Canson InfinitycoreTechnology or IntegrationCanson Infinity international certification programme qualifying Digital Fine Art and Photo Print Labs. Metro awarded CANSON Certified Print Lab status in recognition of consistent quality of service and product.
• Harman TechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration with Harman Technology to develop genuine B&W silver gelatin Fibre-Based and Resin-Coated photographic prints from digital files. Partnership for black & white printing technology development.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Artifact: US-based professional photo lab specializing in exhibition and gallery printing, mounting, framing, and scanning services. Direct competitor in the exhibition production segment serving museums, galleries, and photographers.
• Bay Photo Lab: US-based professional photo lab offering C-Type, metallic, Giclée, and fine art prints with mounting/framing services. Direct competitor in the professional photo printing category with similar product breadth and quality focus.
• Saal Digital: Germany-based professional photo lab offering C-Type, fine art, acrylic, aluminium, and framed prints via online ordering. Direct competitor in the premium photo printing space serving European photographers and artists.
• Lumejet: UK-headquartered premium photo printing technology company using photonic printing technology for high-quality C-Type and fine art prints. Direct competitor in the premium UK photo lab space with proprietary printing technology.
• The Print Space: UK-based professional photo printing lab offering C-Type, Giclée, and mounting services with online ordering. Direct competitor in the UK professional photo printing market with overlapping customer base of photographers and artists.
• WhiteWall: German premium professional photo lab offering C-Type, Giclée/Fine Art prints, mounting, framing, and direct-to-media. Closest direct competitor to Metro Imaging in product range and quality tier, with strong European market presence and online ordering.

Regional players

• Spectrum Photographic: UK-based professional photo lab serving the North of England with C-Type, Giclée, and B&W printing services. Regional player in the UK professional photo printing market with overlapping service offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Calumet Photographic: Established UK/EU photographic equipment retailer and service provider with in-house printing services for photographers. Broader incumbent in the photography services space with overlapping printing capabilities.

Others

• Genesis Imaging Group: Parent entity of Metro Imaging following the 2025 acquisition, providing broader imaging and printing services. Direct ownership relationship and overlapping service portfolio make it a key strategic reference point.

Emerging players

• ProAm Imaging: UK-based professional photographic printing lab offering C-Type and fine art prints to working photographers. Emerging player in the UK professional photo printing market with partial overlap in product offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/metroimaging
• Instagraminstagram.com/metroimaging
• Xx.com/metroimaging

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metro Imaging