74 Even after thousands of years of use, we’re still only scratching the surface of what’s possible with paper. Thanks to the drive and creativity of leading industry innovators, this seemingly simple material is continuing to delight and captivate consumers and businesses alike. This is proven by the partnership between legendary specialty paper manufacturer James Cropper and renowned artist Nathan Ward. James Cropper almost needs no introduction – as the last UK-based manufacturer of coloured paper with 180 years of history, the company is the go-to paper producer for the luxury industry. Nathan is one of the country’s leading paper artists, with an extensive portfolio of intricately designed, largely handmade paper illustrations, animations, large-scale sets, window displays, and installations. Having previously collaborated on the Message in a Wrap project – a stunning moulded fibre diorama - Nathan and James Cropper reunited to prove the unlimited potential of paper once again, exclusively for London Packaging Week, delivering an interactive workshop alongside Jordan Scott, Marketing Communications Manager at James Cropper, titled Paper Possibilities: Redefining luxury by craft. Here, the pair spoke all things paper, packaging, and a productive partnership. CAPTURING THE MATERIAL JOURNEY “There’s something very human about it,” muses Nathan when discussing the roots of his lifelong love of paper. “Especially post-COVID, and in the age of digital, the value of real physical objects you can reach out and touch is more important than ever. It’s something we all understand, which is why it’s so exciting.” Jordan agrees. “The work that paper artists are doing is profound because a lot of people will find the idea that you can mould a flat sheet of paper into a 3D model of almost anything quite inspiring,” she says. “You go to school and get told there are certain jobs at the end of it, but I think the more people like Nathan get to work with some of the amazing brands he’s got to work with, the more it inspires others to go their own way and do what they love. “I can almost guarantee Nathan never Artist Nathan Ward and James Cropper’s Marketing Communications Manager, Jordan Scott, discuss the timeless power of paper and craftsmanship in the age of A.I and digital automation. A MATCH MADE IN PAPER
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