The winners of The Henries 2019 greeting card awards were announced tonight (October 3) at an historic awards event that took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Over 700 greeting card industry publishers, retailers and suppliers attended the event to witness the industry’s best greeting card ranges receive the top card publishing accolades.
Comedian and television star, Tom Allen brought the house down with his quick witted responses as compere for the ‘100 Years of greeting cards’ celebration, themed to tie in with the centenary of the GCA, headline sponsor of the event.
In her welcome speech, Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA highlighted the wonderful heritage of the UK greeting card industry: “Aren’t we privileged to be involved in a product that articulates emotions and feelings, spreading joy and happiness. Greeting cards bring people together and foster relationships,” adding her shared wish: “Let’s work together to ensure our product and industry continues to survive and thrive for the next 100 years.”
In addition to revealing the award winners of the best greeting card ranges of the year, the ceremony also saw the presentation of the prestigious Best Service to the Independent Retailer trophies. UK Greetings was presented with the Bronze service trophy, Woodmansterne the Silver and IC&G scooped the top Gold award.
Providing a fitting crescendo to the awards ceremony, Simon Elvin, the inspirational managing director of Simon Elvin was presented with a special GCA Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of his extraordinary achievements, passion and commitment to the sector.
Each of the attendees received their own piece of greeting card history to take home – as the placecards were real vintage greeting cards, a special keepsake sponsored by House of Cards.
Over 14,000 greeting cards were entered into The Henries this year, judged by a panel of over 40 prestigious retailers, including buyers from Scribbler, Sainsbury’s, Paperchase, Clintons, Tesco, Fortnum & Mason, Fenwicks, Moonpig and a host of leading independents.
Here Are The Henries 2019 Winners…
The Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Designer or Artist Award
Amy Eastland, senior designer of Woodmansterne
(Award sponsored by Paperchase)
Best Children’s Range
Jamboree from Paper Salad
(Award sponsored by Loxleys)
Best Christmas Counter Range
Pinata from Redback Cards
(Award sponsored by Windles Group)
Best Christmas Box or Pack
Luxury Christmas Box from The Art File
(Award sponsored by Gould Paper)
Best Traditional Words & Sentiments Range
Follow Your Dramas from Hallmark Cards
(Award sponsored by Foilco)
Best Contemporary Words & Sentiments Range
Quotish from Brainbox Candy
(Award sponsored by The Imaging Centre)
Best Contemporary Trend Range
Shine from Redback Cards
(Award sponsored by The Digital Hub)
Best Handmade or Hand-Finished Range
Modern Missy from Tache
(Award sponsored by EBB Board)
Best Photographic Range
Wavelength from Icon
(Award sponsored by Spring Fair & Autumn Fair)
Best Humour Range
Twin Pines from Ohh Deer
(Award sponsored by the GCA)
Best Art Range
Scissors Paper Tree from Roger la Borde
(Award sponsored by Fenner Paper)
Best Licensed Range
The Happy News from Pigment
(Award sponsored by Skeet Print)
Best Giftwrappings Range
Paper Salad from Glick
(Award sponsored by PG Live)
Best Male Range
Gin & Frolics from Rosie Made A Thing
(Award sponsored by Slater Harrison & Co)
Best Wholesale Range
Everyday and Relations from Out of the Blue Studios
(Award sponsored by L.B Warehousing)
Best Relations and/or Occasions Range
Words of Wisdom from Dandelion Stationery
(Award sponsored by Fedrigoni)
Best Spring Seasons Range
Hey Fresco Mother’s Day from Wendy Jones-Blackett
(Award sponsored by G.F Smith + Son)
Best Cute Range
Tiny Sparkles from Louise Tiler Designs
(Award sponsored by Alpha Colour Printers)
The Henry Cole Classic Award
Ink Press from The Art File
(Award sponsored by The Sherwood Group)
Best Service to the Independent Retailer Award – Gold Winner
International Cards & Gifts
(Award sponsored by Herbert Walkers)
Best Service to the Independent Retailer Award – Silver Winner
Woodmansterne Publications
(Award sponsored by Herbert Walkers)
Best Service to the Independent Retailer Award – Bronze Winner
UK Greetings
(Award sponsored by Herbert Walkers)
GCA Outstanding Contribution Award 2019
Simon Elvin
(Award sponsored by UK Envelope Centre)
The photos from The Henries awards will be uploaded onto the awards’ website over the next couple of days and Henries news will be covered in full on a special PG Buzz next Monday (October 7).
