Five Dollar Shake, The Art File, Caroline Gardner, Museums & Galleries and Wrendale Designs are among the leading brands who have adapted their greeting card design prowess towards creating attractive PPE.
Meanwhile, in a witty topical move, The Fitzwilliam Museum has ‘repainted’ some its greeting card designs to include masks on some of its famous figurative fine art reproductions. The collection of eight cards are being sold in the museum shop (and online) with a collection of matching face coverings.
The Cambridge-based museum, while closed temporarily during the lockdown, came up with the idea for its Fitzwilliam Masterpieces 2020 Edition, based on the idea of how some of its favourite paintings would be entertaining themselves during this most unusual year.
As demand continues to outstrip demand for face coverings, in light of the legal requirements to wear them inside public places in the UK, several leading publishing companies have been agile in adding collections of face masks to their portfolios.
“Our feeling was, if you have to hide your face at least you can spread a little bit of happiness and positivity wherever you go,” said Hayley Messenger, customer services manager of Five Dollar Shake about its new collection of sassy face masks (made from two layers of soft, comfortable, adjustable jersey).
The Art File (with help from the GA) was able to source a manufacturer in Turkey for its new collection of face coverings, enabling the range to be produced in whistlestop time.
The collection of eight designs (washable up to 15 times) features some of The Art File’s most popular patterns, such as Frank the sausage dog from the Call Me Frank collection, as well as its best-selling giftwrap designs of bees and bicycles, among others.
“We also thought it was important to provide a resealable bag with each mask, which means the face covering can be kept safe and clean when not being used, instead of being placed in a pocket with other items such as keys and mobile phones,” said Emma Hancox, marketing assistant.
“Who’d have thought a year ago that face masks would be this year’s ‘must have’ accessory. It is awful that they are required, but we might as well make them attractive,” commented Sophie Bylina, Museums & Galleries’ administration and relationships’ manager. The company is due to receive the first delivery of its collection of 12 designs, the majority based on licences with national museums (including the V&A, Tate, British Museum and Natural History Museum).
“The pre-orders for the range have been flying. We have included them in attractive pouches so that not only are they good for self-purchases, but also makes them a thoughtful little gift,” added Sophie.
Also awaiting delivery of its range of face coverings is Wrendale Designs. As Hannah Dale, founder of the company revealed to PG Buzz, “We weren’t planning to do any face coverings, but we received so many requests from our customers that we’ve gone ahead, delighted to find a company who could manufacture them in the UK.”
Top: Titian’s Venus and Cupid with a lute-player (1555-1565) is given a modern twist on this greeting card of from The Fitzwilliam Museum.
