Artway A1 Art Portfolio Case - Art Storage Folder with Carry Handle/Shoulder Strap, Internal/External Pockets and Internal Securing Strap (No Rings) - Black

Well worth every penny. I am about to move house and had two old and worn art folders full of archived work from when I was a teacher. These included my work, pupils' work and large sheets of illustrations for mathematical investigations. There was also a substantial amount of work made by my daughter during her school days. The Artway case exceeded all my expectations. It is strong and can certainly hold a lot of artwork. It is slightly deeper than I expected with a wrap-over lip which also forms one half of the zipper. Carrying straps are included and the handle is very comfortable. The presence of a large exterior pocket is an added bonus for smaller art or documents. It runs the full width of the case and is effectively 19" deep although the upper flap is also accessible if you needed to tuck something inside that as well. The provision of two suitcase-style straps with snaplocks is a very useful element. Because much of the artwork I wanted to store was on the lower-grade papers often used in school, I took the precaution of adding some rigidity by including one of my old art folders inside the case. I did contemplate cutting two rectrangles from the excellent and strong cardboard box in which the case arrived, but this was a quicker option and worked well for my purposes. I note that a few other reviewers mention a strong chemical smell. I did not notice anything untoward or worth commenting on. I have problems recommending this A1 Artway case as a genuine "A1" product. It is well worth 5 stars.

At first glance it seemed to be okay, but it feels a bit flimsy. It cannot carry a lot of weight and when fully loaded I feel like the handle is going to snap any second. I was disappointed that my A1 mount board were damaged by two metal rivets at the bottom of the case on the inside. I had to make a protective layer with cardboard at the bottom… and now it looks and feels like a very cheap item halfway through its life. After only a week the handle broke and the rivets holding the handle are coming loose. This case is not designed to carry more than five A1 cardboards... wonder why they make you it so thick if it cannot carry the weight. Very disappointed.

Purchased this portfolio for my sons interviews. The first time he used it the shoulder strap broke, luckily he had a replacement metal clip on his keys and managed to use this whilst on his way for a university interview. During the interview process the other end of the strap broke - not a great product to have mis function during one of the most important days of his life; managed to fix that using a mixture of laces and wire he found. Resorted to using the handle, he also had a carry on style case with him (further folders for interview and overnight clothing etc), coupled with this and the pressure of interviews didn't help especially when the HANDLE THEN SNAPPED. This product is not suitable for the job it's intended to do. More importantly, the photographs and their mounts were damaged in the process of the portfolio falling apart. Do not purchase this if you want a portfolio to last more than an hour of travelling. I will be returning this item and require full reimbursement. Update: my son has been offered a place at the university post interview.

Received it today, but I'm satisfied with it already. It is lightweight, has three pockets inside, a large one outside, a nicely shaped handle, the promised shoulder strap and is quite wide, meaning my A3 sketchbook, three canvases plus supplies fit with space to spare. The bottom should also get less dirty due to the two circular plastic supports at the bottom - at least when placed vertically.However, I'm not happy that the zippers are attached simply by string for this price, and have read about the breaking strap - though I hope that doesn't happen to me - so I won't give this five stars. (Will update review if it does)

The case itself appears to be ok but on opening the package there was a lot of mould over the case which took a bit of cleaning to remove. YUCK !! Not going to lie, it grossed us out a bit ! I think an offer of compensation is in order as it has obviously been stored incorrectly. Haven't used the case as yet so will update after used. Fingers crossed!