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I f you hadn’t guessed already, this is a special edition of Images, marking as
it does the 25th anniversary of the publication of our first ever issue. Back in
February 2002, PenCarrie was less than a year old, DTG was the stuff of sci-
ence fiction, and we found ourselves at the vanguard of an emerging industry.
One individual who was doing more than most to propel garment decoration
forward at that time was Graham Ridley – then production director at Things
Fashions, and a pioneer and innovator of all things textile printing related. In a
timely and satisfying twist, Graham has now returned to Things (renamed Retro
Activewear) as the owner of the company. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity
to catch up with him to square the circle and get his take on the changes in the
industry over the past quarter of a century. (See Back to the future.)
In this issue, we also look at how high volume promowear – the bread and but-
ter of countless garment decoration businesses – has evolved since those early
days: from a time when decorators had a simple choice between black and white
T-shirts, to now and the vast array of garments that are available for promotional
activities in 2017. (Pump up the volume.)
Marshall Atkinson also takes a peak in his ‘rear view mirror’ as he mulls over the
lessons he’s learned during his career, and shares those things he knows now
that he wishes he’d known when he started out. (20/20 hindsight.) Speaking of
contributors, we’re delighted to welcome Erich Campbell who starts his new
column with a look at workwear embroidery. (When the going gets tough.)
There’s some truth in the old adage that those who ignore history are doomed
to repeat it, and there are always lessons to be learned from the past. However,
this industry is moving ahead so quickly, and in so many and varied directions,
that you can’t afford to take your eyes off the road in front of you for too long.
We were certainly looking to the future when we spoke to the experts who are
blazing a new trail for textile printers through the development of hybrid screen
and direct-to-garment printing systems. As they explain (in Best of both), com-
bining these technologies offers significant advantages – in terms of reducing
the cost of digital print, and the new types of decoration that are now achievable.
You’ll have plenty of time to read up on the latest hybrid systems before head-
ing off to the NEC at the end of the month to visit the Printwear & Promotion
Live! exhibition, where you’ll be able to quiz our experts in person. It promises
to be a memorable event and we’ve provided a taster of what’s in store with our
P&P Live! preview – a selection of what we consider to be the must-see exhibi-
tors at the show.
Let us know if you fancy taking some time out from the exhibition floor and
sitting down for a coffee and a chat – we’d be fascinated to hear about your past
experience of the garment decoration business... and your thoughts on its future.
Jonathan Vince
From the ‘90s to now
Published by: 360 Communications Ltd
images, 360 Communications Ltd, 58a Livingstone Road, Lioncare House, Hove, BN3 3WL, UK
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