Inkjet & Digital Printing
Bespoke craft printer embraces technology with purchase of LumeJet S200
Tuesday 01. April 2014 - It is not often the opportunity arises for a true synergy between traditional craft production and the use of cutting edge technology. However, with today's purchase of a LumeJet S200 printer, fine printers and bookbinders, Barnard & Westwood, is bringing together the best of both worlds to provide its clients with high-quality, hand-finished, products.
“At first glance there really is no fit for a LumeJet S200 at Barnard & Westwood. Technology is not what we are about, but then you see the output”, explained Austen Kopley, Barnard & Westwood’s Managing Director. “The machine produces incredible photographic quality output, which we couldn’t achieve with any other system.
“As a company we are about quality and we decided that the LumeJet S200 could give us an extraordinary offering when combined with the added value our team of craftspeople contribute. It gives us the opportunity to produce something that is very special through a combination of technology and bespoke, hand crafted finishing.”
Based in central London Barnard & Westwood’s reputation has been built on a heritage of quality craftsmanship and it maintains a dedicated workforce that possesses a range of traditional craft skills that are fast disappearing elsewhere in the industry. As well as top end print, the company specializes in a variety of craft products including hand case binding, book restoration and, bespoke presentation cases as well using processes such as die stamping, letterpress and foil blocking.
The company holds two Royal Warrants, the first granted by her Majesty The Queen in 1986 and the second granted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in January 2012. The warrants are awarded to those who regularly supply goods and services for at least five continuous years to the Royal Household.
“There will undoubtedly be a learning curve for us as a company”, said Austen Kopley. “We will be offering existing clients LumeJet printed products, but we will also be looking to bring in new clients. It certainly wasn’t a quick decision for us to commit to the LumeJet, but the back-up and support from the LumeJet team and the fact that it is British technology all played a part in the decision.”
“Working with Barnard & Westwood in the run up to the order has been fascinating”, said Miles Bentley LumeJet’s Commercial Director. “The company certainly challenged us to deliver on our promise of ultra-high quality output, but we also had to show how we believed the technology and the traditional hand-crafted output could work together.