HND 1 and 2 were treated to an excellent talk today from Paul and Matthew Scharf of GF Smith - the Hull-based organisation which sources, develops & manufactures some of the world's best-quality paper for the Graphics and Printing Industries.
The guys took the students through GFSmith's major collections, which included their many text and cover grades used for all major print processes including, lithography, letterpress, silk screen, blind embossing, foil blocking and die stamping.
For over a hundred years GFSmith has consistently worked with the best graphic designers, photographers and artists. These collaborations have resulted in a catalogue of iconic promotional materials. Amongst the examples showcased were stunning contemporary work by designers from Total, Dalton Maag, and Pentagram, and classics from the 60's and 70's by the likes of Paul Rand, Bill Mackay, Saul Bass and Milton Glaser.
The class also got to get some hands on samples from the Colorplan range, and GFSmith have kindly agreed to supply paper for the HND year 2 final project work this session.
And clearly GFSmith believe that print is alive and well and will never die - Paul's closing quote was 'paper will always have an immediacy and power that pixels never will'.
