Graham & Brown

Tuesday 12th February 2013

Today myself and Laura went on a study visit to Graham & Brown which i organised to see the different companies work. 

Firstly we were taken to the design studio to meet a lady called Paula. Paula then introduced herself and asked us questions about where we had come from and what we were studying to get an insight as to who we are and what were interested in to see from the visit. 

My first impressions of the design studio were really good, there were mood boards full of images that the team had collected for the trend forecasts, the suite had up to date software and printers, also there was plenty of space, which i feel is important. Paula then introduced us to a few of the designers and senior designers, some that are computer based and others that draw and paint only. It was mentioned that the market is wanting a more painterly approached look on their wallpaper designs currently, therefore all they have to do is scan the art work in and use that to form a repeated design.They also had a few people who would work on the separation of a design to split the colours up ready to put to production. It was nice to meet the different people with the different roles to hear what they do and also to find out a little about their past to achieve the position they have today with Graham & Brown.

We then met a gentleman called Julian, he then took us into the process side of the business starting with the testing area's. First we seen where they make the hand screens for screen printing. Julian mentioned that they use mesh in sizes from 15 to 180 per square centemetre, this enables the screen to be controlled with the amount of ink seeping through, depending on the amount of detail wanted will depend on the size of mesh used. Also he asked, "did we know why the floors were painted grey" We didn't?? It is because it is easier on the eye and doesn't reflect the light which is important especially when people are colour testing to achieve a perfect match. 

We then moved to the section where they sampled the screens with the colour choice from the client. Julian was very good at explaining to us how the machine worked and physically showed us himself by explaining how the screen fitted and locked into position, then he ensured it was adjusted right by checking the pressure handle, this can be adjusted for the amount of pressure that will be pressed onto the screen and then he attached the squeegee to the angle required and then the flood coater at the front of this that will ensure a even amount of 2mm of ink will be put onto the screen all over as it moves to ensure a even coat. Then the paper was vacumed down by the machine to prevent it moving whilst screen printing.  Then Julien put the paper through a machine to dry,  and then took us to another machine that was like a oven set to a very high temperature of 210 degrees for so many seconds and as the paper came out the ink had risen giving a textured effect which looked brilliant.   

He mentioned how they are very strict as a company to try and keep the procedures in testing exactly the same in the factory like the oven temperatures and the settings that the screen machines are set at should be the same as in the factory and also whilst looking at the area where they view a design he mentioned that they have a timer on the bulbs and that they change them at the same time it reaches a certain number all over the factory. There were all types of bulbs in this section to test the paper from the original sample to the newly printed, there were UV, house bulbs, daylight bulbs, halogen etc... all to test that the paper stays the same when the different lights are turned on and off and no differences appear. Julien did show us an example of an original sample and another that had been made with non adative inks used which ment in different lights it looked faded, which as a selling product is no good as it will make customers unhappy that there walpaper is looking shabby and faded, so i completly understand why all these thorough checks are done.

We were shown the paint mix room next and spoke about the different paints like water based and solvent based. He mentioned that as a company they are very dedicated to producing the correct colour and invest highly in this and have a very experienced team on hand that mix and test the inks. Colour is a vital part of a design and it should be highly invested i think. Without the colour our eyes wouldn't be attracted and there wouldn't be much interest for decorated walls. 

We then went on to view the factory, the machines were very similar to the ones at Anstey. It's was really exciting walking around and seeing it all happen and how it works, it really is amazing. The machines are extremely valuable to the company as they print millions of rolls a year therefore they have them maintained and regularly checked to keep them in working order to prevent it being out of operation. Also they are continuously monitored to ensure everything is running smoothly. I also really liked how on some of there machines they had the roll it was working through then another already set up for the next job and it was the same with the ink trays along the machine one would be below with the correct colour in for the next job. Very prepared. Also they can print a double width wallpaper which they print and then cut in half later on which saves time. 

We then walked round and seen where all the cylinder rollers were kept and also then moved on to see where the wallpaper was packaged once cut into the 10metre lengths. These were then packaged into box's on another machine and sent on a carousel to the goods out section ready to be transported to it's location. After seeing this section Julian took into this little office room which he described as a training room that can be used to complete further training e.g. course's in conjunction with UCLAN which is really good to know that you can progress whilst working and it is funded. This really shows the companies enthusiasm in it's employees progressing. 

We then went back out of the factory to a section that was very modern and beautifully decorated. It started with a small gallery that exhibited all there new wall art ideas and then there were several different rooms all with the different styles Graham & Brown do. There was a room which showed designers work that were collaborating with Graham & Brown like Julien Mcdonald,

Laurence Llewelyn - Bowen,

and Barbara Hulanicki 

This would be the area that these type of clients would meet and discuss opportunities. 

Another room was for the super fresco ranges that would be distributed to stores like B&Q, Homebase, Whicks etc.. Another room had all kids wallpapers and ideas in for that type of market clients and there were a few other rooms. 

Also surrounding the rooms were posters of Graham & Browns advertising campaign, i really loved there approach to show everywhere there product but also how versatile it is that it can be displayed in any creative way possible. Here are some examples.

We then went through the marketing area which was sectioned off in different compartments like customer services, over seas orders, directors of the larges firm contracts like B&Q and many more which i can't remember having taken so much information in. As we walked through this area it took us back to the design studio where our visit came to an end. We said goodbye and thank you to Julian and then met Paula again to discuss any final questions that we may have. I did ask about work experience here as i really felt welcome and enjoyed it. I also like the in house design studio that actually designed wallpapers to be printed, not just a manufacturer of wallpaper. I would love to go back and work alongside the team to get a feel for the design stage in studio following through to production as a whole experience.