WIDE-FORMAT APPLICATIONS There has been no escaping the wide-format print boom in recent years, with those working in this sector benefitting from a sharp increase in demand for this type of work. Couple this with the advancement of digital print technologies, and the scope for what is possible with wide-format has been significantly increased. In years gone by, talk of wide-format print may have drawn minds to simple posters, billboards, and banners. Fast-forward to the current day and innovation in this market has expanded to the point where companies are working with their clients on all manner of clever projects and applications. Here, we pay tribute to some of the most recent work in the wide-format print market that has got people talking about pushing the boundaries of the sector even further. Print at the Palace First up is Moss, which, previously known as MacroArt, specialises in branded environments, delivering a range of graphics and signage applications. In one of its most recent projects, the company linked up with several iconic brands to transform the historic Blenheim Palace with a series of printed pieces. The project focused on the Icons of British Fashion exhibition, which ran until June 30th at Blenheim Palace, taking visitors on a journey through decades of British fashion, with input from brands such as Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, and Barbour. Moss helped bring the site to life with a selection of banners, displays, graphics, and even dye-sublimated carpets. However, the main challenge was Blenheim Palace’s listed building status, meaning all installations had to be done without fixing anything to the structure. Moss used aluminium frames to mount two large banners at the main entrance, while a large freestanding wall was stabilised by 200kg of ballast to prevent any contact with the palace's original walls and to allow 30 pictures to be hung. Staff also carefully installed temporary vinyl coverings around priceless antique cabinets to ensure no damage was done to the artifacts. “At Moss, we strive not only to create visually stunning displays but also to respect and preserve the integrity of the historical venues we work with,” Moss Group account director Mike Hamling says, adding: “This particular job meant we had to push the boundaries of what is possible with temporary installations. I’m very proud of what we’ve produced for this amazing exhibition and to further strengthen our relationship with Blenheim Palace.” Kate Ballenger, keeper of palace and collections at Blenheim, was also complimentary about the project. She says: “Once again we are delighted with the work the team at Moss has delivered for this iconic exhibition. The impact of their work is clear for all to see, and the combination of service, quality, and support make them our first choice for any graphics work and signage.” Dance ‘til you Drop Sticking with the great indoors, there has been a rise in demand for more personalised and bespoke wide-format print. One example of this is how Canadian printing and lamination solutions provider Lamin-8 created a unique and personalised dancefloor for a customer’s wedding. The piece measured 20ft x 20ft and featured a black and white design, complete with the first initials of the bride and groom, along with their now-family name, the Archers. Other aspects of the design include a lined border around the edge of the dancefloor and a large graphic in the centre. With the application being subject to heavy footfall throughout the evening of the wedding, the main challenge for Lamin-8 was to ensure the design stood up to this wear and tear. As such, it elected to work with Drytac SpotOn Floor 200, a monomeric PVC film that does not require any lamination. It also features a number of slip rating certifications, meaning the finished piece was not a hazard to party-goers! Lamin-8 printed all graphics for the application in-house using its HP Scitex FB500 flatbed printer and installed the piece on-site for the customer. “For this project, we chose to work with SpotOn Floor 200 as we know that it is great for short term applications,” Lamin-8 president Michael Isaacs says, adding: “We had used this product before in an airport and were well aware of its qualities. Widespread Impact 48 Issue 254 - August / September 2024 www.signlink.co.uk Regarded as one of the signage industry’s largest growth areas for some time, we celebrate some of the most eye-catching and innovative work within the wide-format print market ▲ Moss created banners, displays, graphics, and dyesublimated carpets for an event at Blenheim Palace
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