Signs Express Sheffield takes digital print further with Metamark…
Signs Express, Sheffield, has used its competence in creating durable and expertly installed digitally printed murals, particularly in the exhibition and retail markets, to great effect at the site of a new hydrotherapy pool at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The Signs Express Sheffield’s team’s installation adds colourful and stylised marine-life themed graphics to the state-of-the-art facility creating a buoyant mood and just the right ambience for its young visitors to enjoy.
The new pool at the Ryegate Children’s Centre, which was built following a successful fundraising campaign, was opened in March 2013 by Paralympic gold medallist Oliver Hynd. The facility is designed to help disabled youngsters develop their skills and strengthen their bodies.
The new facility replaces the centre’s previous fifty year old pool and features an attractive, contemporary design with an easily accessible sunken bathing area with underwater lights and an improved hoist system.
Signs Express Sheffield worked with Cat Powell the manager of Artfelt, The Children’s Hospital Charity, to assist and advise regarding the applied graphics. The application environment is one where continual high levels of humidity would challenge the stability of the applied prints so the right choices and technical expertise were key. The Signs Express team also advised regarding preparation and the application of a speciality paint to the walls to further promote reliable adhesion.
Matt laminated Metamark MDP-H printed on Signs Express Sheffield’s Roland VersaCAMM printer was selected for the job. Proven for its ability to bond to low-energy surfaces, this specialist digital media delivers the high impact results the design demands, and, with large expanses featuring planes of even colour, also confirms Signs Express Sheffield’s expertise as a digital printer. The results are artefact free and flawlessly applied.
Carol Morris, owner of Signs Express Sheffield said,
“It has been a joy to be part of this project. Signs Express Sheffield worked with key members of the team including the artists and hospital staff to ensure the right decisions were being made. The end result…a wonderful environment for the children”.
Cat Powell, Artfelt Manager at the Children’s Hospital personally sent a letter of thanks to Signs Express Sheffield saying –
“Thank you so much for all your help in making the hydrotherapy pool project a great success. Your support paid a key part in helping us to be able to transform the pool and we are extremely grateful for this”.
The letter also included thanks for hospital staff working with the children. Jenny Featherstone, team leader for community physiotherapy and occupational therapy at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust added –
“We are immensely grateful to all of the people who have been involved in this project. The new pool provided as with a bright, fresh, fun environment which will transform hydrotherapy for all involved”.
Sign Express Sheffield’s work at the new facility demonstrates how the creative use of digital print continues to define an expanding application market. Wall covering, a specialisation the Signs Express Sheffield team is known for, in particular is capable of transforming spaces with minimal disruption and really does live up to its billing as being only limited by the imagination.
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