The Wall

  • Jimmy Leslie posted an update in the group Group logo of The WallThe Wall 2 years, 8 months ago

    Does anyone remember the Spirograph?  You’re admitting your age if you had this vintage set but I also don’t know if this made an impact worldwide like it did in the US.  Armed with a simple ball point pen, you could use the Spirograph to create tons of intricate designs.  They’re still around but the original looks super cool.

  • Joshua Hart posted an update in the group Group logo of The WallThe Wall 2 years, 8 months ago

    Love this: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rapha-racing-limited_rapha-foundation-search-for-speed-activity-7094954094942965760-PJel?

    Rapha have set up a foundation to help create a path into the sport for those that might not have otherwise had the opportunity. Great example of the change and value creation a brand can bring to people and communities beyond just its products, spreading positivity, developing an emotional connection and opening doors for individuals and the industry as a whole. 

    And a great tagline ‘just six seconds’. You can find out more here: https://lnkd.in/grumiagR

    • Agree. Nice to see Rapha getting back to it’s roots. Following acquisition by the Walmart empire which in my view lead to a distinct and obvious strategic change (deterioration in product quality, brand storytelling and ultimately integrity) I feared Rapha was destined for a demise in brand value. Looks like they’re turning this around. Interesting to see how commitment to a cause translates to brand value, like you say it’s not always just about the product. Good on them.

      Watched a Michael Sheen ted talk on a similar topic just today, focussing on the imbalance of accessibility to creative careers, enabling equitable career pathways and the social impact this imbalance influences a countries political standpoint (sadly this video lacks the added charm of cycling though…)


      • This is such a powerful Ted Talk Ben. I’m currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama (yes late to the book and should have read it sooner) and her message is so aligned about being able to see yourself in role models and the absolute power of education, family and community. Above all the need for investment in ALL children particularly those without privilege or opportunity.

    • It is good to see inclusivity, widening participation and the need for broadening employability opportunities in the arts been raised, this has been an issue in education in for decades

    • Great to see this on both accounts… one being the opening of opportunities to all (I firmly believe there are many more great sports people out there that just dont get the chance), and two being that hopefully Rapha are back on track (I also thought Walmart nearly killed them off).

  • Guy Peeke-Vout posted an update in the group Group logo of The WallThe Wall 2 years, 8 months ago

    I am pleased to share some exciting news about the expansion of Art departments across the Waterstones/Foyles and Blackwells bookshop estates, where, as a key supplier, we have had the opportunity to play a significant role.

    Earlier this year, we successfully updated the Blackwell’s Newcastle Art Shop concession, and the response from their customers has been very positive.

    In July, we achieved another milestone by supplying and assisting in the creation of newly built-from-scratch art departments at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, and Waterstones, Gower Street. These upgraded locations now offer six bays of Winsor & Newton products, including Watercolour, Oil, and Acrylic art supplies, as well as the full range of Promarkers and key sets.

    Furthermore, Waterstones’ Greenwich store will soon be opening, featuring an edited collection of art materials. To make art supplies more accessible, we are partnering with Waterstones to offer key sets in 60 additional stores. Additionally, we are collaborating with them to enhance the in-store experience, supporting it through their Waterstones e-commerce platform.

    Looking ahead, there are plans to continue our collaboration and support in expanding the Art departments. Later this year, we are thrilled to be part of the initiative to add an Art department to Blackwells, Edinburgh, and early next year, we aim to do the same in Cambridge. This collaborative effort with such a reputable and accomplished retailer is an exciting opportunity.

    Thank you to everyone who has worked on this project, as well as our partners at Waterstones for their ongoing support. Together, we have made this progress possible, and I am confident that our collaboration will continue to inspire and elevate the artistic experience for Waterstones customers across all locations.

    • Looks fantastic Guy – well done to everyone involved !

    • Guy, many congratulations. It is fantastic work that you have achieved on the Waterstones / Foyles business. This is a great new distribution for our brands with a highly respected retailer. Great relationship building, negotiation, collaboration, a brand-mindset, putting the consumer at the heart of our thinking, merchandising and creative expertise, attention to detail throughout and above all a lot of hands-on hard work. This is a great achievement. Super proud. Well done. Best, Anthony

    • Very impressive Guy: great job well done!
      Yes Anthony you and the entire team involved can be super proud!

    • Congratulations Guy and to all involved. Super impressive!

    • The photos look brilliant. I was only talking to somebody the other day about what great shops Waterstones are, they have a real authentic old school book shop feel to them. it’s great to see our products in there now too. Well done Guy!

    • From the photos alone this all looks really impressive. Cannot wait to see the stores in real life. Opportunities like this don’t come along very often so I’m super pleased for the UK and all involved that we’ve played such an important part in Waterstones art-focused development. Particularly well done to you Guy for all your efforts.

    • wow Guy! What a fantastic read! I noticed the great mention you got on linkedin too. Well done!

    • Looks great Guy. Looking forward to seeing these set ups in person!

    • This is amazing Guy! I would never in a million years expected to see such an extensive selection in a customer like that. Well done to all involved and looking forward to my next store visit when I am in London again!

    • Looks brilliant well done Guy

    • Guy – great work to you and team, these really do look like flagship presentations for W&N. Wish I’d managed to get into a store whilst i was in town this week.

    • Great work Guy, was fantastic to see the W&N display and presence achieved in Gower Street. Aware of the huge amount of planning and work that has gone into achieving this – well done to you and all involved.

    • So many amazing achievements in the last months and to come with Waterstones/Foyles. Very impressive as per usual and pictures showcase really high-quality activations!

    • Brilliant opportunity, well done Guy!

    • A tremendous amount of hard work and effort has gone into this, it is never easy negotiating and managing new business development opportunities with large accounts – and certainly ones that have buyers from one of our biggest customers now. A great achievement in development of this. A opportunity that has the potential to grow over time. A huge well done and thank you from me on this!

    • Thank you Guy and team – our W&N brand looks cared for and supported here – and the displays are nicely lit. Great work.

    • Amazing opportunity, great work Guy and team. I’m excited to see how it develops

  • Pierre Sanchez posted an update in the group Group logo of The WallThe Wall 2 years, 8 months ago

    How brushes wear off in use.

    On top, brushes I used for a few years.

    Below, what their new counterparts look like.

  • Duane Romanell posted an update in the group Group logo of The WallThe Wall 2 years, 8 months ago

    Repeat as necessary…

    • I disagree – i think it’s important to be able to sit with what’s not ‘good’, without trying to change it or wanting it to be another way.

      • I understand, and can agree to a certain point (this graphic is an over-simplification, of course). But as a person whose first half of life was “not good” by any definition of the phrase, taking ownership of what wasn’t right and making the effort to change it, was the only thing that kept me going – and one of the reasons I am still here today!

      • what a mindful approach. I like your thinking Rebecca… by changing your view on things, the things themselves might change as well ? what do you think?

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