195x130mm Portrait Booklets
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Gmund Alezan Rhinoceros Wild
White foiling to outer
20pp Text onto 120gsm Evolution Uncoated
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and wire stitched
Combining heritage, artistry, and printing prowess, Ex Why Zed proudly undertook a prestigious project with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of art and design. As part of the “V&A Pearl Variations Exhibition”, we had the privilege to deliver the printing of its exhibition catalogues. The project was an exhibition of finesse and detail, and we aimed to replicate the same meticulousness in the catalogues we printed.
Our collaboration for this project was with the designers Sibley Grove, a renowned studio renowned for their creative and sustainable design solutions. It was imperative for us that their artistic vision for the exhibition was perfectly encapsulated in the catalogues. Together, we developed a print spec that was both functional and stylish, a clear reflection of the “Pearl Variations” exhibition.
The catalogues were 195x130mm portrait booklets, a size that allowed for a balanced showcase of visuals and text. The cover was printed on 300gsm Gmund Alezan Rhinoceros Wild, a unique choice that brought texture and intrigue to the outermost layer of the catalogue. This paper was sourced from gfsmith.com, known for its extensive collection of high-quality, sustainable papers. The choice of Gmund Alezan Rhinoceros Wild not only added a tactile quality but also resonated with the natural allure of pearls.
To enhance the visual appeal, we applied white foiling to the outer cover, a choice that provided a striking contrast against the Rhinoceros Wild cover. This detail added a touch of luxury to the catalogues, catching the light in a similar way to the pearls showcased in the exhibition.
The 20pp text was printed on 120gsm Evolution Uncoated paper, a choice that provided a smooth and high-quality backdrop for the exhibition’s content. This allowed for clear, crisp printing of images and text, ensuring that every detail of the exhibition was showcased in the most vibrant way possible. With four colour print applied throughout, the booklets were a testament to the colourful and detailed world of pearl variations.
After the printing, the booklets were carefully trimmed, collated, and wire stitched. This binding method was selected for its durability and ease of use, allowing visitors to flip through the pages smoothly.
This project was a perfect blend of Ex Why Zed’s expertise in artist catalogue printing and lookbook printing. It was an opportunity for us to showcase our skills in high-end printing and binding techniques, delivering a product that matched the prestige of the V&A museum and the creative vision of Sibley Grove.
Similar to the V&A project, we have worked on other esteemed projects such as the Science Museum zines, Trademark brand booklets, and Gin Botanical Odyssey booklets. Each project brought its unique challenges and provided us with opportunities to flex our creative and technical muscles.
At Ex Why Zed, we’re dedicated to delivering high-quality printing for all types of projects. Whether it’s a museum exhibition, artist catalogue, or brand booklet, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Our printed project builder is the perfect tool for starting your printing journey with us.
The ‘V&A Pearl Variations Exhibition’ catalogue is a testament to Ex Why Zed’s high production values. With every project, we aim to provide not just a product, but an experience that matches the expectations of our clients and the standard of their exhibits. This is the essence of Ex Why Zed – marrying art, design, and print into a single harmonious entity.
