4 | NEWS | QUICK PRINT PRO | October 2012
Tapestry’s investment impresses National clients Treading the boards at Sign & Digital UK, a lot of companies went to the exhibition with one objective in mind – to get a good deal on a wide format digital printer. As most regular visitors to the show already know, Sign & Digital UK is the show in the UK where you can annually compare all major brands, see them in action under one roof and get the best deal on any new wide format digital print and imaging equipment. Tapestry is one of the UK’s most well established media production agencies in the UK and celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. Based in the dynamic Clerkenwell area of London, Tapestry’s print department has a wealth of experience working with some of the world’s leading photographers, galleries and designers and count Alison Jackson, Phase Eight, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and the National Theatre amongst their impressive client list. Their unique combination of traditional dark room skills and state of the art technology allows them to work on an array of different projects that range from fine art and photographic work, to window displays and UK wide graphic installations. Following demonstrations and samples they shortlisted the printers they wanted to have a good look at. And knowing all the machines they looked at would be at the exhibition, they went to Sign & Digital UK at the NEC in April this year to get the best deal. Brendan McMullan, Production manager of Tapestry Print explains; “We conducted a good amount of desk research and had whittled it down to two machines. There really wasn’t much in it so we were able to nip up to the NEC, take a good look around and shop for the best deal. We found the right print and cut solution for our Tapestry Print division in the Mimaki CJV 30-160 and purchased it from Granthams, exhibiting at the show.” Tapestry specialises in Lambda and Giclée prints and their brand new Mimaki CJV30-160 allows them to offer many more services including metallic prints, pull-up stand graphics, contra vision, wallpapers and much more. McMullan continues; “Part of our buying decision was centred around quality and time control and by bringing our wide format inkjet print requirements in house we were able to reduce turnaround times and become more cost competitive. We’d purchased our very first Canon inkjet from Granthams and their service was very reliable so it was an easy decision in the end to buy from them at the show. We were also able to research new medias and techniques while we were at Sign & Digital UK so it was well worthwhile. We’ve since completed many projects using the new printer including two high profile exhibitions for the National Theatre.” Kirsty Reader, Sales manager for Granthams comments; “We’ve always found Sign & Digital UK a very rewarding show to exhibit at and every year use it to show the best deals around on wide format inkjet printing and medias to our customers and visitors. It’s always a hub of activity from the first day and we’re glad to talk to anyone who has concerns regarding their wide format print and signage hardware requirements. Tapestry is a great example of why this exhibition is so important to both sides of our community, not only do they get to explore, compare and contrast products, meet friends and colleagues, but we, as exhibitors, also have lots of time to demonstrate products, provide training, offer special show pricing and discuss trends and issues with them. Sign & Digital UK is a perfect platform to do this on an annual basis in the UK, compared to expensive overseas shows where you just get manufacturers exhibiting that can’t really offer good “deals” for the discerning UK buyer and signmaker.” Alan Caddick, Marketing manager for Sign & Digital UK agrees; “Sign and Digital UK has always been a “buyers” show. As the only national annual show for the UK signmaker and print and imaging provider, we feel we have an obligation to our visitors to deliver a great show with interesting exhibitors. We encourage them to offer on stand demonstrations, special offers, competitions, training, workshops and much more. We will be building on the successes of Sign & Digital UK 2012 throughout year to help our visitors get even more from their visit to next years’ show.” For more information about Tapestry print, visit www.tapestry.co.uk/print.
For more information about Granthams, visit www.granthams.co.uk. For more information on Sign & Digital UK and to register your interested in attending for FREE, visit www.signanddigital.co.uk and follow them on twitter @signanddigital.
Case study 1: National Theatre War Horse exhibition Following the success of last years exhibition for The Linbury stage design awards, Tapestry Print were thrilled to be asked by The National Theatre to produce an interactive exhibition promoting the making of War Horse. This exhibition, named ‘Staging War Horse’, tells the full story of War Horse’s journey from the first early workshops to becoming one of the most successful stage productions in history. War Horse, based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, is a powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and magnificent artistry. Through designs, costume, models, puppets and film, the exhibition is able to chart the groundbreaking collaboration with the Handspring Puppet Company and shows how the creation involved every production department within the National Theatre. The display comprises of four large, floor to ceiling pods constructed of MDF, which were assembled by the stage set team. Due to the shape of the units, we recommended and subsequently produced Digimura wallpaper graphics and optically clear vinyl for the base of the graphics, using our wide format Mimaki CJV30-160. Foamex mounted panels and captions were then affixed to the surface as directed, along with tension wire supports installed in display cases. Additional information panels and FOH boards were prepared and installed at designated points. War Horse is currently in its fourth smash-hit year in the West End and performing to sold out audiences in New York, Toronto, and on US tour, this landmark theatre event has been seen by over two million people worldwide. To buy tickets to see this fantastic production, visit: nationaltheatre.org.uk/ buytickets
Case study 2: National Theatre The Making of Timon exhibition Tapestry Print were thrilled to be involved with The Making of Timon exhibition currently being displayed in the National Theatre. Following previous successes working for the National Theatre, we were pleased to be asked to assist in the staging of the exhibition. The Making of Timon, is a showcase of the play Timon of Athens. The play has been brought into modern times with the help of Nicholas Hytner as producer, to give the play a contemporary feel and relevance. The exhibition illustrates the history behind the Shakespearian play, as well as original designs, vivid backstage and rehearsal photography. The method we used for the War Horse exhibition was so well received, it was decided that Timon would be prepared in the same manner. The display comprises of four large, floor to ceiling pods constructed of MDF, which were assembled by the stage set team. Using our Mimaki CJV30-160, we produced Digimura wallpaper graphics and optically clear vinyl for the base of the graphics. Fomaex mounted panels and captions were then affixed to the surface as directed, along with tension wire supports installed in display cases. Additional information panels and FOH boards were prepared and installed at designated points.