Newbie publishers enjoy behind-the-scenes look at Windles’ Willy Wonka litho factory
They’re potty about print at Windles Group and super keen to pass on their enthusiasm and knowledge which is just what new publishers need.
And the latest link up between the Thame-based greeting card print specialist and the GCA saw a group of 10 association members go behind the scenes to find out all about the litho process.
“We had a brilliant range of guests,” said Ian Kear-Bertie, who handles the design and creative direction at Windles, “and they had equally brilliant questions for us to work through and answer – technical, artwork, design, production, papers/boards, inks. All were covered in the day. It was a real in-depth look at how this process works.”
During the day, the guests from KD Designs, Real Talk Cards, Apricot Cards, Kate Downey Art, Sharon King-Chai, Bianca Moore Studio, Veronika Pock Artist, Lucia Dent Draws, and Studio Lydia Rose each saw one of their card designs go through the pre-press, pre-production and into print.
“Seeing their work coming off the end of the press is always a great moment,” Ian added.
“It was the real Willy Wonka factory,” laughed Bianca, having thoroughly enjoyed finding out all about Windles’ history and how founder Bruce Podmore’s drive has pushed the business to its carbon-neutral status while coming up with various inventive solutions to improve the quality and finish for greeting card design.
She added: “I was blown away by the staff professionalism, generosity – the food, free cards and also tips and tricks – the quality of machines and their dedication to recycling and the environment.
“The best printer visit so far – and I’ve visited a few here and in Australia too.”
The event covered a pre-press tour showing the publishers’ artwork being pre-flighted and imposed on to proof and plate, a factory tour including watching the KBA press known as Lydia print the designs live, followed by the finishing touches involving the guillotine, folding and packing.
Another attendee commented: “I’ve had an obsession with litho printing since university, where I had the opportunity to use an antique stone lithography press. Seeing the process of printing my work on a huge, state-of-the-art modern lithographic printing press was something I simply couldn’t refuse!
“I was expecting to come away feeling inspired creatively, but what really took me by surprise was how inspiring Windles’ commitment to sustainability is – like their pallets to pellets scheme where they turn waste wooden pallets into pellets to heat the factory during the colder months! This is just one of many initiatives taking place at the factory that felt almost magic.”
And Kate Downey added: “I absolutely loved the day! I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed an insight into Willy Wonka’s print factory.”
The print workshops are organised by the GCA in conjunction with Windles, anyone interested in taking part should email admin@gca.cards.
