Gifts & Greetings Review has just about recovered from The Henries awards 2014, which took place last Thursday (October 9) at the Lancaster London hotel and were organised by Max Publishing.
We attended as a guest of Spring Fair International 2014, sponsor of the Best Photographic Award category and home each year to the largest presentation of greeting cards that can be found under one roof anywhere in the world.
A highlight of the ceremony was undoubtedly the bestowal of this year’s Honorary Achievement on Paperlink managing director Louise Tighe (left), who overcame her surprise to give a wonderful speech, encouraging people to “overcome their fears… “do what your heart tells you and don’t be scared!”
We were also delighted when one of our favourite designers and publishers, Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs (right) pick up the award for Best Art range for the third year running, a well deserved accolade that reflects the company’s meteoric rise to success over the past three years. The full list of winners is as follows:
Most Promising Young Designer or Artist 2014: Clare Tupper
Best Relations & Occasions Range: Happy Jackson from Pigment
Best Humorous Card Range: Four Eyes from Urban Graphic
Best Art Range: The Country Set from Wrendale Designs
Best Spring Seasons Range: Artisan & Magpie Valentine’s from Paper Rose
Best Cute Range: Moggies & Doggies from Fourth Wall Brands
Best Male Range: Waitrose Male range from Hallmark
Best Children’s Range: Noisy Noi from Noi Publishing
Best Contemporary Trend Range: Alice Scott from Pigment
Best Christmas Counter Range: Snowfall Forest from Five Dollar Shake
Best Christmas Box or Pack: Paloma from Belly Button Designs
Best Words & Sentiments Range: Life Is Sweet from Icon
Best Photographic Range (pictured left): Take A View from Camden Graphics (UKG)
Best Handmade or Hand-Finished Range: Embellished Origami from GracieGirl Designs
Best Licensed Range: Harold’s Planet from Clare Maddicott Publications
Best Wholesale Range: Le Petit Bear from Simon Elvin
Best Giftwrappings Collection: The Art File Giftwrap from The Art File
The Henry Cole Classic Award: Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne
Best Service To The Independent Retailer Bronze Winner: IC&G
Best Service To The Independent Retailer Silver Winner: Noel Tatt
Best Service To The Independent Retailer Gold Winner: UK Greetings
Honorary Achievement Award: Louise Tighe