Freeman’s Bachman sale: auction catalogue printing

Park is proud to have a trusting and fruitful working relationship with Freeman’s, the most prestigious auctioneers in the US. 

For the sale of the Bachmann family’s personal collection, our relationship with Freeman’s was crucial, as they trusted us to oversee the final choices for the  design of the catalogue’s front cover, due to the time constraints of sending proofs to the US. 

The collection featured the work of Louise Nevelson, known for her monumental and abstract sculptures, that were often painted in a monochrome black, white or gold. 

We mirrored her art by using black gloss foiling on the cover lettering. This effect was then repeated on the spine, creating the illusion that the catalogue was quarter bound, giving a vintage feel. The 8pp cover added extra weight to the product, while the knocked back image of Nevelson’s work created a contrast with the title lettering. 

To work on an optimal solution for the cover, we proofed on press, knocking the featured image to four varying degrees. The cover proofs were then anti-scuff laminated and foiled. 

One of Park’s in-house managers chose the version of the cover that best matched the expectations supplied by the client. The manager then passed the embossed black gloss foiling. Particular focus was given to creating a contrast between the embossed and foiled font, and the matt background cover image.

We also managed the application of high-build gloss UV to the back Colorplan divider. Several layers of UV were applied so that the effect would be visible to the naked eye. 

Our online collaborative proofing system was crucial in allowing Freeman’s to make edits across multiple stages of revisions. 

With the production of the cover started in advance, the catalogue’s text pages were printed and bound within six days. Once completed, copies were mailed by Park and office copies despatched to the customer’s location in Pennsylvania.