Useful Info

  • 1. Agreement

    At Blackhurst & Co. we take immense pride in the quality of our hand-painted backdrops, and we request that you handle them with the same level of care when using them for their intended purpose.

    By hiring a backdrop from us, you’re agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, as well as the details outlined in our Care & Repair Policy. We’ve put these in place to help protect and preserve each unique backdrop, and appreciate your cooperation in treating them with care by adhering to these guidelines.

    2. Rental Period

    The hire period begins the day your backdrop is collected from our workshop and ends the day it’s returned to us. If you need to extend your hire, just let us know, we’re happy to help if we can.

    3. Payment

    Hire fees need to be paid before we send your backdrop, unless you’ve got a credit account with us — then your usual terms apply.

    If you're running late with a return, just let us know. Late fees may apply, but we're happy to be flexible when we can.

    4. Intended Use

    Our backdrops are designed for photography and videography, they should only be used for the purpose intended by Blackhurst & Co. Any alternative use must receive prior consent from us.

    5. Care & Handling

    It’s important that you Please handle our backdrops with care. Keep them clean, dry, and safely stored when not in use. Please refer to our Care & Repair Policy for more details.

    6. Reporting Damage

    If you notice any damage, marks, or wear when your backdrop arrives, let us know immediately so we can record it. While the backdrop is in your care, you're responsible for keeping it safe and covering the cost of any damage, loss, or excessive wear, in line with our Care & Repair Policy.

    7. Returning the Backdrop

    Backdrops must be returned by the agreed return date, using the same packaging materials and/or in it’s original case. Once we receive it, we’ll inspect the condition and may apply cleaning or repair charges if needed. We’ll always notify you first if that’s the case.

    8. Our Liability

    While we take care to ensure all backdrops are well-maintained and safe to use, Blackhurst & Co. cannot accept responsibility for any accidents, injuries, or property damage that may occur while a backdrop is in use. By hiring from us, you accept full responsibility for the backdrop while it's in your possession.

    9. Cancellations

    If you need to cancel your booking, let us know at least 24 hours before your hire period begins for a full refund.

    Cancellations made after this period may be subject to a late cancellation fee.

    10. Privacy Matters

    Any personal information you provide will be used solely to manage your booking and backdrop hire. Information about your booking will only be shared with trusted partners that we rely on to deliver your service. We’ll never share your information with third parties unless legally required to do so.

    11. Legal Stuff

    These terms are governed by the laws of the region in which Blackhurst & Co. operates. Any legal issues that arise will be handled in that jurisdiction.

    We do our absolute best to ensure our backdrops are safe, clean, and ready for use. That said:

    • Once the backdrop is in your care, it’s used at your own risk.

    • Blackhurst & Co. can’t accept responsibility for injuries, accidents, or property damage that may occur while setting up, using, or transporting the backdrop—unless caused by our own negligence.

    • We’re also not liable for any indirect losses like missed shoot opportunities, reputational damage, or lost income.

    • You're responsible for conducting your own risk assessment in relation to using the backdrop along with any stands, ensuring everything is used safely.

  • Before You Use It

    • Every backdrop is thoroughly checked before it leaves. If you notice any damage, marks, or tears when it arrives, please let us know right away.

    • Please use the backdrop only as intended—it’s a one-of-a-kind piece and delicate in nature.

    • Each backdrop is a hand-painted original. Treat it gently, keep it clean, and protect it from general wear and tear.

    What to Avoid

    • No adhesive tape, please! It can peel the paint when removed.

    • Do not fold any of our rolled, hand-painted Blackhurst Backdrops. This causes permanent damage.

    • If you’re using a backdrop and it needs to be stood on, please use clean gaffer tape on shoes or heels to help avoid marks. We also recommend shoe covers for crew who need to walk on the backdrop too.

    • Using a double-sided backdrop? Make sure the unused side is placed on a clean surface to prevent dirt or damage.

    • Kindly leave any repairs to us, attempts to fix or clean the backdrop can sometimes make things worse and may result in a charge.

    Friendly Reminders

    • If any cleaning is needed once the backdrop is returned, there may be a small cleaning fee. See terms and conditions for full charge list.

    • Improper packing or folding can also incur a charge, so please return the backdrops in the same condition they were sent to you.

  • In the case that any damage occurs, we advise against attempting repairs on your own. Inform us once you notice this and we can advise on what to do before returning to us.

    Any damage resulting from improper cleaning or handling will be subject to a charge.

    By proceeding with the backdrop hire, you are assuming responsibility for the backdrop until it is returned back to us at Blackhurst and Co.

    Please take note of the following chargeable fees for damages:

    Spot Cleaning: £125

    Area Cleaning (per square metre): £225

    Small Tear: £550

    Incorrect Packing (Ironing Charge): £150

    Backdrop Replacement Cost: Ranging from £500 to £5000 depending on size and level of detail.

    We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in treating our backdrops with care and adhering to these guidelines.

FAQs

  • Our backdrops are lovingly handcrafted right here in Liverpool using high-quality paints on cotton canvas. Each piece is painted by our talented in‑house team, combining rollers, brushes, and airbrush techniques to produce rich textures and depth.

  • Because of the paint and how the canvas settles, sizes might vary slightly (only ever by 10-30cm). We try to keep everything as accurate as possible and measure each backdrop when we photograph them before listing them online.

  • We do our best to make sure the colours you see are as true-to-life as possible, but some variation is totally normal. Each backdrop is hand-painted using custom-blended paints, so tones may shift slightly depending on lighting and how your screen is calibrated.

    All our product photos are taken under continuous 5600K daylight lighting, and we include a colour checker in every image to set an accurate white balance. Still, things might look a little different on your device, so if exact colour matching is important, feel free to get in touch—we’re happy to help.

  • Yes, as long as your rig is secure and strong enough to hold the weight. The plastic tube they come rolled on fits standard scaffolding or crossbars.

  • Yes, if you need a support system to hang your backdrop, just let us know when booking and we can add that cost onto your rental.

  • Of course! If you’d like to come and view before you rent or buy, just send us an email with up to three choices, and we’ll book you in for a viewing at our Liverpool studio.

  • Our hand painted canvas backdrops and our printed backdrops do not have a seam. They are made from one single, seamless piece of fabric.

Hiring a Backdrop

  • Browse our backdrop collection and add any backdrops you're interested in to your wishlist. When you've made your selections, submit your wishlist and our account manager will get back to you with availability and a quote.

  • To be safe, we suggest booking 3–5 working days ahead, but we can often accommodate 24-hour bookings too, so always reach out.

    For custom backdrops, we usually need at least one week’s notice. That said, don’t hesitate to ask if your timeline is tighter, we might already be working on something similar!

  • Yes! If you need to extend your rental, just let us know as soon as you can. We’ll always try to accommodate if the backdrop isn’t already booked for someone else.

  • If a backdrop comes back later than agreed, you might be charged for an additional day’s hire. We understand that things don’t always go to plan, just keep us in the loop and we’ll do our best to work with you.

  • Our workshop hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:30am to 5:30pm. We're closed on weekends and bank holidays, but can be available for collections or returns if notice is given.

  • Sometimes, yes! If you fall in love with one you’ve hired, let us know, we may be able to arrange a sale or offer something similar.

  • Of course you can. Please use clean shoes or protective padding, especially for full-length shots. Avoid dragging props or equipment across the canvas.

Delivery and Transport

  • We do! We can deliver on weekdays between 8am and 6:30pm, prices start from £80 depending on distance from our studio. If you would prefer to arrange your own courier, or collect yourself, that’s no problem at all.

  • Folded backdrops: can usually fit in a car or small van.

    Medium or large rolled backdrops: will need a long-wheelbase van or a Luton van.

    If you are adding on a backdrop support system, a Luton van will be required as our scaff bars range from 4-5m.

  • We work alongside our trusted couriers who can provide same day delivery across the UK. If your backdrop is available on the requested date, we can arrange for it to be sent out to you the very same day.

  • Yes, we do! We sent our Kylie backdrop over to LA for the Rolling Stone cover shoot. So we can definitely ship worldwide, though larger backdrops (especially over 3m) can be pricey to send overseas. If you need a backdrop outside the UK, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the options. We have a wonderful courier partner who specialises in overseas travel.

  • We roll each canvas carefully and secure it inside a canvas bag.

  • Most of the time, yes. The canvas bag has handles and is designed for solo carrying. For larger or heavier backdrops, two people may be more comfortable.

Care and Handling

    • Steaming: If it arrives with light creases, gently steam from the back side while it’s hanging.

    • Shoes and props: Clean shoes before stepping on it, ideally with shoe covers or gaffer tape on the bottom. For heels, we recommend gaffer taping or foam padding.

    • Tape and fixings: Don’t use tape or staples directly on the canvas.

    • Rolling: Always roll on a clean, flat surface or use a scaffold pole to keep it neat.

    • Report damage: Let us know immediately if something happens, we can advise on what to do next.

  • They’re not. Our backdrops are made from cotton canvas and painted with a variety of paint types, so they should be kept away from open flames or high heat.

  • The hand painted canvas backdrops should always stay rolled, folding can crack or damage the paintwork.

    However, we do offer some backdrops specifically designed for folding. You’ll find them under our Folded Backdrops filter.

  • Yes, with caution. Keep them away from wet or muddy ground, and always use a protective sheet or boards underneath. Never use them in the rain, they are not waterproof.

  • Sorry, no. Painting on the backdrop will damage it, and you'll be charged the full replacement cost, which can start from £1500 per backdrop.

  • We know accidents can happen. If something goes wrong, please let us know right away. Damage will be assessed fairly based on our guidelines.