Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 71)

Tell us a little about Essdee’s history. The brand was created in 1942 when British Process Boards began to manufacture scraperboard, which had become difficult to obtain during the war. The product was revered by illustration artists for its dazzling images, which transferred extremely well into print, even inexpensive newspaper. It is still made in Britain today and is popular with both students and professional artists and illustrators. How has the company evolved more recently? Essdee expanded into lino printing in the late 1980s, designing a set of distinctive red- handled ink rollers and cutters. In the last 15 years we have invested heavily in this area, with patented products like the three-in-one lino cutter and baren kit and our innovative SoftCut hand guard and safety cutter. We also launched a successful range of block printing kits in 2014, encouraging thousands of new artists to try this technique for the first time. What are your key product lines? Scraperboard is available as a black-coated board and an uncoated white product that can be inked selectively by the artist. We also make tools in five different styles that fit into a universal nib-style handle. Our lino printing collection includes cutters, ink rollers (also known as brayers), sheets of lino and softer alternatives such as SoftCut and MasterCut. There are 18 shades of ink, as well as metallic, fluorescent and pearlescent finishes. We also make block printing sets and our kids’ kit, which avoids the use of sharp tools. How often do you launch new products? We aim to release at least one new line every 12 months. The current range is also evolving as we generate fresh ideas and respond to customer feedback and market trends. Does the company exhibit at any trade shows? We attend Creativeworld every year. It is always exciting to see our friends from all over the globe, as well as meeting potential new customers who are always enthusiastic and excited about our products. What has been your greatest challenge to date? Brexit remains our biggest uncertainty. It is difficult to plan and forecast with such a potentially disruptive political event looming over us. We have already been very successful in exporting our goods around the world, with new customers in Australia, South America and Eastern Europe this year, and we are proud to be flying the ‘made in Britain’ flag whilst trying to protect our business from the inevitable bumps in the road. Are there any new launches coming up? We launched three major products at Creativeworld, including our linocut taster kit, designed to provide a cost-effective way for new artists to try block printing. We are also developing a MasterCut stamp carving kit, offering a fun way for users to print their own gift tags, greeting cards and wrapping paper. How do you expect the company to develop in future? We have a five-year plan although every six months we tear it up and re-write it! The company is changing rapidly, and the world of art and craft is always innovating. We must continue to develop ideas and encourage new artists with easy-to-use products. Lino printing is an extremely satisfying activity that can be enjoyed by anybody, from complete beginners to experienced artists. We intend to keep spreading the word! Essdee’s Stephen Yeomans explains how the historic company continues to innovate in the 21 st century Starting from scratch Essdee +44 (0)1562 607 87 essdee.co.uk craft focus 117 profile