9th June 2016

G . F Smith: Fine Collection

Instagram has proved that we, as human beings, are chronically nosey. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and certainly something that G . F Smith are recognising in their latest project. While we are constantly pushing for individuals in society to employ more empathy and to see things through other’s eyes, there is a whole community of Instagram devotees scrolling through their feeds with an unquenchable thirst for foreign perspectives and obtaining a fleeting insight into the lives of others. G . F Smith’s Fine Collection feels like a beautifully curated corner of Instagram brought to life as a book. More than simply a catalogue of paper samples, Fine Collection showcases the communicative power of a carefully selected platform, something we consider everyday online but that is equally relevant in print.

Realised at the convergence of digital and print, G . F Smith’s Fine Collection project saw them launch an online competition encouraging amateur and professional photographers alike to submit their favourite images for consideration, with a selected collection being sorted by colour and reproduced in print for the final book.

When probed about the reaction G . F Smith hopes to provoke with the Fine Collection, Creative Director of Made Thought Ben Parker says, “The Fine Collection aims to remind people that today, more than ever, paper’s natural beauty, coupled with craft and creativity, can leave a powerful and persuasive impression. As the world continues to become more transient, paper offers texture and feeling, weight and sensation, where digital experiences cannot.”

Speaking on the same subject, G . F Smith’s Managing Director John Haslam expresses his desire to offer the Fine Collection book to creatives as a tool. “We would be delighted if everyone used the book as a creative tool and not simply a beautiful object. A reference point like the Collection or a Pantone book. We always like to inspire and educate.” says John.

Having been questioned about the decision to crowdsource images for the book, Ben Parker highlights the value of sincerity. “Once we decided to show an eclectic representation of content that these papers would be used for, the idea of approaching photographic contributors via crowdsourcing made sense. It would be the only way to get a true cross-section of image examples to test. This approach to invite collaboration and participation felt far more contemporary, honest and democratic than using a single artist or celebrity photographer.” says the Creative Director.

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