The Hope Collection
Client:
Rathbones
Brief:
An investment management company with a strong emphasis on leading us forward, Rathbones provide a service imbued with responsibility, tradition and trust. Consistently working to create a lasting legacy, their support extends from clients into our broader society, communities and environment. A prime example of this is the yearly arts event – sadly cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. In light of this, Rathbones wished to fill the void created by the cancellation of this important client touch point.
To do so, they commissioned us to create a special set of Rathbones keepsake postcards. Looking to existing events, we commissioned three emerging artists to create a one off artwork for the postcard set. These were then designed, printed and packaged with the inclusion of a note from Rathbones. Sent out to existing clients, the postcards created a tangible presence within their day to day lives whilst simultaneously creating a potential new business stream generated by the clients themselves, as they were encouraged to use the postcards to keep in touch with their own networks at a time when so many were feeling more isolated than ever.
At once supporting the arts through the most challenging of times, engaging with existing clients and opening the door to new networks, this very special postcard set chimed with the empathy, collaboration and connection ever at the fore of the Rathbones approach.
Services:
Branding, Graphic Design, Publication Design, Editing, Print Management
Specification:
148 mm × 105 mm
Stock:
Uncoated, 400 gsm
During the isolation of the pandemic, Rathbones sought a way to bridge the physical distance between themselves and their clients while continuing to support Scotland’s creative community. Their annual arts event, a flagship client touchpoint, was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. In response, they commissioned boom saloon to create a tangible keepsake that could maintain engagement with clients, continue supporting the arts and offer a vehicle for human connection in a socially distanced world.
We proposed a bespoke set of three postcards, each featuring artwork by emerging Scottish artists. The project’s guiding theme was hope, reflecting Rathbones’ values and ethos. Drawing on our expansive creative network and in collaboration with the Rathbones community, we curated a selection of artists whose work would resonate both visually and conceptually, celebrating creativity while providing clients with a meaningful and functional object.
The postcards were designed to the highest standard, integrating each artist’s unique visual language into a cohesive collection. Our process included concept development, design, commissioning, print management and packaging. Sustainability was central: the postcards were printed on FSC-accredited stock with an elemental chlorine-free wrap sourced from responsibly managed forests.
The finished postcard set enabled Rathbones to continue fostering connection during periods of isolation. Clients were able to enjoy the creativity locally and use the postcards to reach out to their own networks, creating new opportunities for social and professional engagement. The project simultaneously supported emerging artists, providing exposure and recognition, while reinforcing Rathbones’ commitment to cultural investment and societal impact.
Through this collaboration, we demonstrated how conceptual, design-driven print can bridge gaps in communication, maintain brand presence and support creative communities. The project reflects our studio’s mission to translate client goals into print experiences that are bold, thoughtful and socially impactful, showing that publications – no matter the scale – can be both functional and meaningful. By combining careful curation, design excellence and sustainable print practice, we delivered a solution that connected people, celebrated creativity and reinforced Rathbones’ values during a challenging period.
