The Surface Print Co. LTD

Tuesday 12th February 2013

After being in contact with Graham & Brown regarding organising a study visit to see how the factory works and how different techniques are printed like screen printing, digital printing, flocking, foiling etc.. The kind gentleman who organised the study visit to Graham & Brown for me suggested that i organise a visit at The Surface Print Co. LTD as Graham & Brown don't print their own flocked and foiled papers they distribute out to The Surface Print Co. Ltd. This was really good as then i would be able to see how three different factories work and how they differ. I emailed a lady called Abigail and was successful in organising a visit. Abigail was very co operative and explained that it would be easier for myself if i could do the visit the same day as  Graham & Brown only being 10 minutes down the road. Luckily Abigail could fit me in on the same day but we had to go early as she had a meeting and needed to leave by 10.30am. This was absolutely fine and worked out well we were shown all around the factory, the machines were very similar to Anstey. We did however get to see the machine that does the flocking and beading which was different to the other factories. 

Abigail explained that it is a small family run business started by her father in 1989. They work internationally and among well known names in interior design. The business is one of only six major companies in the country manufacturing decorative wall coverings that has survived the contraction of the industry. They have highly skilled and experienced colour mixers and printing staff, which as i have seen in all three of the factories plays a vital part in the work their producing. 

Abigail explained a little about herself, she qualified as an Interior Designer then worked in that environment for a few years and then decided to work in the family business. 

Abigail very kindly gave me a pack sample which had all the different type of grade papers that they print on and also gave me a sheet that explained repeat sizes that the industry work at and allowed us to spend some time in a room that had lots of company sample books to look through as she had to then leave. 

I defiantly have benefitted from these visit and would love to work within this environment. I feel like it has opened a little window and showed me an area within design that i get a great buzz out of.