• Hornby - The Wonderworks

The Wonderworks Hornby - Shortlisted at the Sign & Wrap Awards 2024

We were thrilled to be able to support ‘The Wonder Works’ at Margate with the internal and external ambient graphics for their newly opened 'The Wonder Works' at Margate. Previously known as the Hornby Visitor Centre, this venue offers an engaging, educational, and affordable experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating all things Hornby, Corgi, Pocher, Airfix and Scalextric. Our team was tasked with the production and installation of all the internal wallpaper graphics for the venue, including shelving POS and other ambient graphics.

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A particular challenge was achieving a seamless application and high vibrancy of print, consistent with brand colours across the entire site. In order to overcome this, our in-house design team carefully planned up the images and artwork supplied by the client onto single drops, some of which measured 12M+ in width. There was a total width of approximately 44M+ digitally printed, grey back single covering pieces (2.5M drops), 15+ approximately, applied across a number of different surfaces (walls, MDF exhibition panels etc.). Due to the sheer scale of each of these single piece drops, it was vital that there were no errors in print quality, no slight banding for example, and that there was consistency in colour across all parts. Close attention had to be kept throughout the printing process to ensure that the digital files (substantial in size) translated accurately when on the machines.

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Installation on site required experienced crews that were able to apply these huge single drop rolls (instead of a typical 0.5m roll), warranting precise application and technique to reduce risk of bubbles or misalignment. It was also vital that the survey completed on site by our team was completely accurate and allowed for flexibility when installing, particularly as many of these wallpapers were applied on walls with windows and display installations.

Other challenges on site included planning for and working around structural obstacles, internal exhibition showcase windows and display installations, and also challenges working alongside other trades on site to ensure the venue was ready in time for their publicised opening launch. Some of our work had to be carefully planned to align with other activities on-site to ensure that there was no risk of damage to detailed installation pieces for example, so communication between trades and all key stakeholders was vital. Our teams also produced external building signage and wayfinding, as well as internal window manifestations and reception graphics.

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