Saatchi Gallery – Rolling Stones Exhibitionism

The Graphical Tree were approached by the project manager of the Rolling Stones Exhibitionism show. We were tasked to produce and install the exterior graphics for this years exhibit at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery. We were recommended by the Saatchi Gallery based on the recent work we’d undertaken for them for London Fashion Week.

It’s always great to get a referral as it means you're doing a good job for your clients.

Our brief was to produce and install graphic elements in the Duke of York Square. As this is right in front of the gallery, it needed to be eye-catching and interesting. Items included graphic coverage of the ticket kiosk, wall pillars for the entrance and plinths which are used as seats.

The first thing to do was to meet the client in person at the space. This allows us to discuss the brief in more detail and to inspect the site. From this, we can determine the correct materials to use based on the space and location. The graphics needed to be hard wearing and great looking for the duration of the summer exhibition.

This would be a time of high footfall and the full range of Great British weather, even in the height of summer.

Firstly, we looked at the graphics for the plinths. We used a WW300 matt printable vinyl with a grey opaque reverse and permanent high tack adhesive. This is capable of lasting four years in outdoor life. Furthermore, this is also perfect for difficult to stick to surfaces. All we needed was a little help from blow torches as we applied the graphics to the plinths.

We decided to clad the vertical light boxes in 3mm foamex trays with vinyl over them. The trays were pre-drilled and screwed over the top of the existing structure of the vertical light boxes. As a result, these fitted a treat when expertly applied by the installation crew.

On the initial site survey we noticed a potential obstacle. Whoever applied graphics for the previous event had forgotten to replace most of the screws that held the towers together. So we made sure we had sufficient quantity, sizes and options for the installation. Again, proof of how important the initial site survey is.

Case study photography by Simon Jarratt (www.sjfolio.com)