Cardies show their respect for The Queen after 70 years of dedicated service
Many card publishers, retailers and trade suppliers from across the greeting card industry have joined the millions across the globe in paying tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
Using the power of social media, publishers, suppliers and retailers were able to share their sadness within minutes of the news of The Queen’s passing breaking, using a wide variety of images and artwork.
Commenting on the UK’s longest-serving sovereign, Jakki Brown, managing director of Max Publishing, which owns PG Buzz and Progressive Greetings, said: “Ours is an industry which has sentiment at its heart. The death of our Queen, who has been such a constant in our lives, released a tidal wave of emotion that has engulfed so many of us.
“Queen Elizabeth II was an inspiration, a graceful, strong presence in all of our lives. I have been privileged to have visited Buckingham Palace to learn of her love and appreciation of greeting cards and feel proud that our industry has published so many appropriate designs that members of the public are now using to declare their outpourings of love and loss for Her Majesty.”
Jakki’s feelings were echoed by GCA ceo Amanda Fergusson, who said: “The Queen was an inspiring and constant leader, bringing the UK and the Commonwealth together during a period of huge social and political change.”
Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File, was among the many keen to join the millions in sharing his sense of loss: “I came across a display in an independent retailer in Stratford this weekend which, in my opinion, sums up everything I feel at this time. My thoughts are that if every head of state around the globe adopted the same high standards that our Queen possessed throughout her life, just imagine what the world could become.”
David Byk, ceo of Swan Mill group which includes Ling Design, GBCC, and Penny Kennedy, added his condolences: “We are all incredibly sad to hear the news of the passing of the Queen. Her Majesty was an iconic leader, who served the nation with grace and humility and set us the ultimate standards of behaviour having not set a foot wrong in 70 years. The effect on us all cannot be under-estimated, and we must now celebrate her life and look forward to the future with optimism under our new King.”
Cardology co-owner and GCA council member David Falkner shared his comments with PG Buzz on Thursday, the day of the Queen’s death: “A sad day, indeed. We’ll be forever grateful for the sense of permanence, stability and continuity she offered, in both good times and bad. A true ambassador for so much that was great about us, her dedication to public service offers a reference point, as we tentatively establish where we each go next from here.”
Over in Paris exhibiting at the Maison & Objet trade show when the sad news was announced, Ohh Deer’s md and co-founder Mark Callaby was able to experience the worldwide affection for the British monarch as the French capital’s iconic Eiffel Tower dimmed its lights in honour, and the organisers of the trade show issued a letter to all British exhibitors.
“The love for the Queen is even felt here,” GCA council member Mark added, “she truly was loved across the world. The Queen was a true leader and inspiration to many, and I have always admired her.”
On behalf of Hallmark, head of commercial Fiona Pitt said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are all profoundly grateful for her extraordinary service and dedication and send our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family.”
And Daniel Prince, md of Danilo and also a GCA council member, said: “I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news and my thoughts are with the royal family. She is the only Queen most of us have ever known, a truly incredible lady – she will be missed.”
Normally known for his irreverent cards and social media posts, Dean Morris paid a heartfelt tribute featuring the picture of Her Majesty from Tuesday, 6 September, waiting to greet new Prime Minister as she was still working until 24 hours before her death on Thursday.
Dean posted: “I love that this is the final photo of Queen Elizabeth. Despite her obvious frailty it’s still a beautiful picture and captures her smile perfectly. She selflessly served her country, as she pledged to over 70 years ago, with a stabilising continuity right to the end. We’ll never know her like again. RIP.”
The Art File’s post read: “Ma’am, you were an inspiration to us, you drove us forward through the darkest of times in our recent memory. To have been honoured with your award for flying the British Flag overseas for our publishing back in 2018 is the absolute highlight in our journey to date.
“You gave us the honour of your award, which proudly stands in the entrance hall in our place of work, for all to see. In return we shall carry that honour forward, stronger than ever, for the Crown, and for our United Kingdom. God save the Queen. Long live the King.”
Top: Her Majesty opening cards on her actual 96th birthday in February this year
