The cartridge pad that art teachers, students, and working artists have been reaching for, decade after decade. Seawhite's 140gsm All-Media Cartridge is one of those British art materials staples that has earned its reputation simply by being exceptionally good at its job — consistently, reliably, and at a price that makes working freely and experimentally feel affordable rather than precious.
The paper is made in the UK and is the same all-media cartridge used throughout Seawhite's sketchbook range. At 140gsm it is significantly heavier than standard office or drawing cartridge, and the internal neutral pH sizing adds extra wet strength that sets it apart from most cartridge papers in the same weight category. The result is a paper that handles pencil, graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, fine liner, ballpoint, and markers beautifully — smooth enough for clean, flowing marks and detailed line work, with just enough tooth to grip dry media well and hold it without excessive smearing. And where most cartridge papers at this weight buckle immediately under watercolour, ink wash, or light acrylic work, the Seawhite sizing means it holds up considerably better, making it a genuinely versatile all-media surface rather than a dry-media-only one.
Each pad contains 50 sheets, glued and tape bound on the short edge with a stiff 2mm greyboard backing that provides firm support for working in hand as well as on a desk. The pad opens flat. The acid and chlorine-free construction means the paper will not yellow or deteriorate over time.
Available in four sizes: A5, A4, A3, and A2 — from a compact everyday sketching pad through to a large format surface well suited to life drawing, layout work, and any application where scale matters.
Paper weight: 140gsm Sheets: 50 per pad Binding: Glued and tape bound on the short edge Backing: Stiff 2mm greyboard Paper: Acid-free, chlorine-free, sized for extra wet strength Made in: UK
What media can be used in the Seawhite All-Media Cartridge Pad? Pencil, graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, fine liner, ballpoint, markers, pastel, and light wet media including watercolour washes, ink wash, and light acrylic work. The internal sizing gives the paper extra wet strength that outperforms most cartridge papers at this weight. For heavy or repeated watercolour work, a dedicated watercolour paper is more appropriate.
How does 140gsm cartridge compare to standard cartridge paper? Standard cartridge paper is typically 90 to 100gsm — considerably lighter and less robust than Seawhite's 140gsm. The heavier weight gives more resistance to wet media, better erasability, and a more substantial feel under hand. The internal sizing adds further wet strength that standard cartridge at any weight does not usually have.
Does the pad open flat? Yes — the glued and tape binding on the short edge allows the pad to open completely flat, which is particularly useful for working across a full spread or for keeping the surface stable while drawing.
Is it suitable for life drawing classes? Yes — the A2 size in particular is widely used in life drawing and figure drawing classes, where the large format gives freedom of movement and gesture. The cartridge surface suits charcoal, pencil, and ink, all of which are commonly used media in life drawing.
Is the paper acid-free? Yes — the paper is acid-free and chlorine-free, meaning it will not yellow or deteriorate over time. This makes it suitable for finished work as well as practice and study.
