From wedding invitations to great tomes on history, one of print's most vital roles in today's digital world is as a physical reminder of the events that shape our lives. And as demonstrated so profoundly by this unique book, it can also remind us that life's darkest tragedies still contain seeds of strength and renewal for those left behind.
Case Study | Katrina and Tori Remembrance Books
In the days immediately following the deaths of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson in the 2014 Sydney siege that horrified the world, the street outside the café where the incident too place was filled with flowers and notes from the public expressing their grief. To commemorate this outpouring, the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet commissioned the creation of a book limited to just 20 copies, with 10 each going to the families of each victim.
Designed by the department's in-house graphic designer, Amanda Lawton, the volume was digitally printed by us on a variety of papers using our new Xerox Iridesse press. The book is housed inside a rigid, heavyweight presentation box perfectly in keeping with the solemnity of its subject matter.
Hand-bound and lined in Silver metallic buckram fabric, its only outward embellishment is a blind-debossed illustration representing the favorite flowers of the victim: sunflowers for Tori's copies, aqua hydrangeas for Katrina's. Handling the box and feeling its weight in your hands when you know both its purpose and rarity is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Opening it reveals a large book inside, its buckram cover featuring a debossed pattern and laser-cut window through which peeks either a sunflower or a hydrangea, their colors popping nicely against the dark, brick-like cover that surrounds it. The design mimics the look of the official memorial two blocks from the cafe, which features 210 handcrafted flower sculptures under glass embedded in the pavement.
Tugging a strategically placed ribbon frees the volume from the package. It is only then that recipients where able to glimpse the letters of condolence from both the NSW State Premier at the time of the event, as well as the current Premier, secreted away in a depression in the box specially built for that purpose.
Upon opening book's cover, the eye is instantly greeted by a vivid wave of colorful sunflowers or hydrangeas depending on the edition setting the stage for the luscious photography to come. A moving use of variable-data printing.
Flipping through the pages you're presented with beautiful photographs of the public floral displays that sprang up just after the tragedy, as well as images of cards and gifts left by mourners at the scene, interspersed with quotes and illustrations throughout. A host of different papers from Spicers
are used, including Fedrigoni Sirio Translucent, Neenah Classic Laid, Neenah Classic Smooth, Fedrigoni Sirio Pearl Oyster Shell and Fedrigoni Splendorgel. All in all, an intriguing use of paper and texture throughout.
Tucked snugly in a pocket inside back cover is a lavishly illustrated booklet about the memorial itself. Its cover featuring an embossed pattern and holographic foil echoing the memorial's flowers under glass again reflect the layout of that public space. And at the back of THAT, held in place by
notches in the cover, rests a seed card packed with forget-me-not seeds ready to spring to life. It's hard to imagine a more fitting, or more hopeful, memento than this.
Project Details:
Project Title: Katrina and Tori Remembrance Books
Client: New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet
Design: New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet (Amanda Lawton)
Print: Digitalpress http://digitalpress.com.au
Paper: Fedrigoni Sirio Translucent 100gsm, Neenah Classic Laid 148gsm, Neenah Classic Smooth 125gsm, Fedrigoni Sirio Pearl Oyster Shell, 125gsm and Fedrigoni Splendorgel 190gm
Print Method: 100% Digitally Printed on Fuji Xerox 6 Colour Iridesse Press
Print Quantity: 20
Finishing and Binding: Case binding, laser cutting, debossing, embossing, hinged lid
Awards: 2018 NSW Print Awards; 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze & 2018 National Print Awards 1 Gold
