Edward Williams, one of the kindest, most creative people in the greeting card industry has sadly passed away, aged 71 years.
Edward, who has been a key member of the Simon Elvin group for almost 30 years, heading up its social stationery and party division, lost his long battle with cancer last week.
Edward will leave an indelible mark on the industry, through the products he created and the relationships he forged. His Buddhist beliefs provided him with an inner strength to keep working almost right to the end, far exceeding the life expectancy predicted by the medical experts.
Having graduated from the revered Hornsey College of Art, Edward’s natural talent for illustration and advertising led him to join Image Arts, a leading card publisher in the 70s that was headed up by Simon Elvin.
One of Edward’s most significant creations while part of the Image Arts team was the Razamataz greeting card concept, featuring cute nostalgic characters reminiscent of the popular Bugsy Malone film that was popular at the time. Knowing that it had a real hit on its hands, Razamataz was even advertised on TV and later made into a book.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Edward since the 70s – and together with so many others will miss him greatly. He was a very special man,” Simon Elvin said of his friend and colleague.
Drawing on his own talents as an fine art illustrator, having experienced setting up his own social stationery business, Edward was a perfect addition to the Simon Elvin team, joining the company in 1991 to establish and develop its social stationery division, which he expanded over the years to include partyware, giftware and gift bags.
Edward formed a formidable team with his wife Tricia, who is responsible for all the social stationery administration.
Edward’s family, friends and work colleagues will long hold dear special memories of this wonderful man and all he achieved in his life.
