Specialist using futuristic system to show off past
BRADLEY-BASED creative display specialist Leach Inspire has found a high-tech way to bring history to life – with new print equipment to improve the life span of the signs it creates for heritage sites across the UK and overseas.
The system – called Vault – has been introduced mainly for use on Leach’s external signs. The system produces a stronger bond between the ink and the base layer, keeping signs looking pristine for longer.
Vault has been used on a number of projects, including 40 interpretative signs at Culzean Castle in Scotland.
Director Jim Parkin said: “Vault is a well-established signage product renowned for its durability and stunning photographic quality which has helped to transform the external tourism and heritage landscape. But we’re not a company that rests on our laurels. We believe in pushing new boundaries for clients so have invested in the print technology that will result in even more vandal-proof systems that can last 10 years with ease.”
Moving forward, the printer will be used on other elements of Leach Inspire projects, such as fabrics for internal museum displays.
The technological investment comes hot on the heels of wider research and development work throughout the business. Leach is investing £250,000 a year in R&D – so there could be more in store yet for 2017.
Leach Inspire is one of three brands within the Leach Group – which celebrated 125 years in 2016. Leach Inspire and Leach Studio serve the museum, heritage and visitor attraction sectors, while Leach Impact has become renowned for its retail, brand and exhibition display solutions. Leach Inspire’s other notable assignments have included one for the Titanic Experience, the RAF Museum, the Cutty Sark and the Tower Bridge engine room.
This summer, Leach Studio helped to bring the legendary Viking story to life at the Yorkshire Museum in York. The six-month project involved creating a number of beautiful graphic displays with high-resolution photographs. Interactive features including the chance to experience what it might have been like to row a Viking long boat with a seascape backdrop plus audio of crashing waves and loud Viking voices. The exhibition will be on display at the Yorkshire Museum until November 5, 2017.
Meanwhile, Leach Impact has developed Vision Product Wall, a merchandise display system for retailers using lit fabric graphics to create an atmospheric display of products to increase brand awareness. It uses a magnetic display system for lightweight merchandise such as shoes, jewellery and electronics while a heavy-duty Product Wall Max combines slotted rails with graphics to display larger items such as sports equipment.
Leach managing director Richard Leach said: “Our company may have recently marked its 125th milestone year, but that longevity is a testament to our forwardthinking approach.”