ARTiSTORY taps Marcrom Licensing as sales agent for Iberian market

ARTiSTORY has appointed Marcrom Licensing as its sales agent for the Iberian market, a move that sees the art and culture licensing specialist position itself for further growth across Europe and beyond.

Under the deal, Marcrom will focus on securing retail and brand partners to feature designs from ARTiSTORY’s biannually refreshed creative themes across its growing portfolio of art and cultural IP.

Recognising that appealing designs are key to the success of any product, ARTiSTORY’s dedicated creative team works to identify themes and research appropriate artefacts from its mainstream museum partners, before developing design assets such as prints and patterns.

Founded in 2015, and based in Barcelona, Marcrom is headed up by Ivan Marco.  The company represents a selection of corporate, entertainment and lifestyle brands such as fashion brand Munich or the television series Peaky Blinders.

“Home to several global retailers the Iberian is a key market for ARTiSTORY and our clients. We believe local expertise is very important when building a global business which is why we’ve chosen to work with Marcrom,” said Natasha Dyson, co-founder and licensing director, ARTiSTORY.

“Ivan instantly understood our business model and his wealth of experience, connections and ideas really impressed us.  We welcome this new partnership together to bring art and cultural IP to the Iberian market.”

Ivan Marco, ceo of Marcrom, added: “It is a pleasure to be part of the ARTiSTORY team. From the first time I discussed this project with Natasha I fell in love with the idea of working with art and cultural IP. Art has always been part of our lives and thanks to the partnership between ARTiSTORY and Marcrom we will now be able to bring art even closer to people through various product categories such as home, apparel and accessories and gift, among other.”

The Van Gogh Museum and Royal Talens pay homage to the artist with new painting and drawing collection

The Van Gogh Museum has partnered with the international art supplies specialist, Royal Talens to create a collection of painting and drawing materials that pay homage to one of modern art’s most iconic figures.

The new collection of creative materials, spanning brush pens, water colour sets, and coloured pencils – takes inspiration from the colour palette of several masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum, and invites users to follow in the footsteps of the artists himself.

The Royal Talens x Van Gogh Museum creative collection caters to amateurs and professionals, and to burgeoning and experienced artists. The colours selected for the products are based on works by Vincent van Gogh, such as the iconic Sunflowers, Irises and Almond Blossom, which are all in the permanent collection at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

The creative collection will be available soon at retail partners of Royal Talens and in the Van Gogh Museum webstore.

The range kicks off with the Ecoline x Van Gogh Museum Brush Pens, a set of five Ecoline brush pens for illustration and calligraphy that takes its lead from the vivid colour palette in Irises (1890). In this work, Van Gogh experimented with powerful colour contrasts. By placing the purple flowers against a yellow background, he made the decorative forms of the irises stand out even more strongly.

Van Gogh x Van Gogh Museum Water Colour Pocket Box is a compact water colour set featuring 12 colours inspired by the colour palette in Vincent van Gogh’s dynamic Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat (1887), in which he used complementary colours.

This special edition of the Van Gogh pocket box is bright orange, like the short stripes of orange paint in the halo around Van Gogh’s head in the self-portrait.

Sakura x Van Gogh Museum Pigma Micron Fineliners are based on Van Gogh’s masterpiece Flowering Plum Orchard (after Hiroshige) (1887) as it marks the perfect link between the Japanese brand Sakura, which celebrates its centenary this year, and Van Gogh, who was greatly inspired by Japanese printmaking.

Van Gogh made three paintings after Japanese prints from his own collection, which gave him a chance to explore the Japanese printmakers’ style and use of colour. The four colours selected for the fineliners are inspired by the colour palette in the painting, and are amongst the most popular colours for writing and decoration.

Sakura x Van Gogh Museum Gelly Roll Gel Pens sees Vincent van Gogh’s Almond Blossom (1890) ties in with Sakura’s mission to allow everyone’s creativity to flourish. The painting shows one of Van Gogh’s favourite subjects: large blossom branches against a blue sky. For this painting, which symbolises new life, Van Gogh drew inspiration from Japanese printmaking. Illustrate, draw and write in the colours of Almond Blossom with this set of five gel pens.

Bruynzeel x Van Gogh Museum Coloured Pencils arive in a luxury storage tin featuring the iconic painting Sunflowers (1889), one of Van Gogh’s world-famous masterpieces. Van Gogh was one of only a handful of painters to give the sunflower the lead role in various flower still lifes. In contrast to traditional, darker floral compositions, his Sunflowers were explosions of colour. The tin contains 12 coloured pencils with high-quality pigments.

The Royal Talens x Van Gogh Museum collection of creative materials will be available soon at retail partners of Royal Talens and in the Van Gogh Museum webstore.

The Bruynzeel x Van Gogh Museum Coloured Pencils will be available in early Augustus 2021.

ARTiSTORY signs The National Palace Museum as first global client in Asia

ARTiSTORY, a specialist in cultural IP licensing, has signed the National Palace Museum as its first global client in Asia, covering North America and Europe.

Under the partnership, ARTiSTORY will act as master licensee to create annual art and cultural themes together with original design assets, including illustrations, patterns, and prints inspired by the National Palace Museum’s artifacts for use by licensees and retailers in North America and Europe.

Key categories for developments include apparel, accessories, home decor, stationery, and more.

The National Palace Museum in Taiwan, owns, preserves and displays in rotating exhibitions, nearly 700,000 artifacts. The collections –  spanning some 8,000 years – feature ceramics, paintings, fashion and more, from imperial collections of different dynasties.

Through working with ARTiSTORY, National Palace Museum will increase their licensed product offering while reaching out to a global audience. 

“It’s an honour to announce the National Palace Museum as our first client in Asia,” said Yizan He, founder of ARTiSTORY who was also the founder of Alfilo Brands.

“We’re already developing our design trends and themes for 2022 and 2023 and have selected several artifacts from the National Palace Museum collections for inclusion in those trends, the first to launch next year will accompany with a big celebration. 

“We look forward to bringing the stories and history of thousands of years of Chinese cultural heritage to a global audience within truly ‘East meets West’ inspired ranges.”

The National Palace Museum states that licensing is a way to support the continued preservation, conservation, study and collection of 8,000 years of Chinese cultural history. Therefore, the National Palace Museum is happy to be working with ARTiSTORY to continue growing the licensing programme and reach out to a global audience.  

Cartoon Salon launches online art gallery for prints from its award-winning film slate

The Academy Award nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, has launched a new e-commerce art gallery, featuring limited edition framed prints from a slate of its award nominated and award winning films, including WolfWalkers, The Breadwinner, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells.

Originating from Cartoon Saloon’s Studio in the medieval town of Kilkenny, Ireland, the series of artwork is now available, ranging in prices from €450. Each print is signed by the films’ directors and numbered and is printed on museum quality paper.

Brian Tyrrell, general manager, brand development with Cartoon Saloon, said: “The launch of our new art gallery offers us a tremendous opportunity to share the magic of these outstanding movies with fans around the world. We are extremely proud of our films, particularly with the most recent recognition WolfWalkers is receiving with Academy, Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominations.

“We are thrilled to offer these carefully curated state-of-the-art limited edition numbered prints that are sure to become a valuable collector’s items in the years to come.”

2021 Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated WolfWalkers, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was heralded by The Hollywood Reporter as “a visually dazzling, richly imaginative, emotionally resonant production,” while IndieWire headlines read, “Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy Ends with the Best Animated Film of the Year.”

The film opened theatrically in the U.S. on November 13, 2020 and is now available on Apple TV+.

WolfWalkers follows Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who journeys to Ireland with her father in a time of superstition and magic to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the WolfWalkers and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

Meanwhile, nominated for an Academy Award in 2010 for best animated feature and winning awards at festivals worldwide, The Secret of Kells is a bewitching animated fairytale for children and adults alike that is a spirited retelling of the provenance of Ireland’s most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells.

With the Viking hordes approaching, the monks of Kells are forced to turn their attention from transcribing manuscripts to building barricades. The future of the precious book is in jeopardy and it falls to Brendan, young nephew of the abbot Cellach, to save the day.

The Secret of Kells was Cartoon Saloon’s first feature film and was directed by Tomm Moore with Nora Twomey as Co-director.

Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.

Finally, based on the best-selling children’s novel by Deborah Ellis, the award-winning and multi-award-nominated The Breadwinner, directed by Nora Twomey from a screenplay by Anita Doron and Deborah Ellis, is a celebration of children.

The movie tells the story of 11 year old Parvana who gives up her identity to provide for her family and try to save her father’s life. Every day is a challenge as Parvana tries to bring home enough food and water to support her mother, sister and little brother. She meets a fellow girl in disguise called Shauzia and together, they form a bond that will give them the strength to endure the war that comes to their doorstep.

Art Ask Agency celebrates Frida Kahlo’s licensing success as Calzedonia launch surpasses expectations

Art Ask Agency is celebrating the continued success of its Frida Kahlo licensing programme having most recently watched the Calzedonia Frida Kahlo collection launch and marketing campaign surpass all expectations.

Across all social media platform, the firm has seen high engagement as fans from across the globe welcome the latest product offering from Calzedonia. The officially licensed range features seven pairs of socks, catering for various consumer targets and styles, including casual, elegant and sport, and four pairs of embellished tights.

According to the team, various models in the collection have already sold out, with new stock on its way.

“The Frida Kahlo Corporation is proud to celebrate Frida Kahlo. In her lifetime she would become many women, all of them different and contained within one. Frida was a Woman, a Daughter, a Sister, a Wife, a Friend, and a Lover.  She was an Artist who painted flowers and who today is the muse that inspires this collaboration with Calzedonia for those of us who dare to be different,” said Beatriz Alvarado, head of international affairs, Frida Kahlo Corporation.

Gruppo Calzedonia is a main player in the legwear and beachwear sector on a European level and one of the main ones worldwide. Calzedonia has a well-established online sales channel which is giving Frida fans the possibility to purchase products online and in store, despite any pandemic restrictions.

The Calzedonia press team said in a statement: “Kahlo’s signature style, from long circle skirts to embroidered blouses and intricate floral compositions in her hair, is rich with aesthetic imagery and has allowed the artist to resonate with audiences even in the 21st century, becoming the focus of international fashion and inspiring the collections of haute couturiers and the fashion world in general, from runways to streetwear trends.

“Socks, entirely on-trend today and stars of countless cool outfits in recent months (loungewear and otherwise), come alive with fun, bright prints in true ‘Rebel’ style.”

Etta Loves partners with Keith Haring Foundation on new baby collection

The baby and mother specialist, Etta Loves has teamed with the Keith Haring Foundation to create a new range of sensory baby products that makes use of the artist’s much-loved designs and embodying Haring’s own sentiments that ‘art is for everyone.’

The new range brings the art of Haring to a new generation, combining the iconic prints with the science that is at the heart of the Etta Loves product range. A popular artists and activist, Haring was part of the New York art scene during the 1980s. Since then, his classic colourful figures have become an iconic symbol in popular culture.

The new Etta Loves x Keith Haring collection of baby essentials combines his art with the expertise that Etta Loves’ resident NHS orthoptist – an expert in children’s vision who consults with the design team – to bring a range that supports babies’ visual and cognitive development.

The science of Etta Loves aims to ensure that babies are stimulated and mesmerised, giving parents moments of calm throughout the day.

The collection comprises two designs: Baby and Brazil. Baby features Haring’s iconic crawling babies in high contrast black and white. Etta Loves has scaled the design to support babies’ visual and cognitive developments from birth to around four months. Meanwhile, Brazil is a brightly coloured version of Haring’s 1989 artwork of the same name, recoloured and scaled to support babies from five months to around one year old.

The collection includes Etta Loves favourites including its reversible playmat, the best-selling sensory strip, extra large muslins, comforters, a teether, and two new products.

The Haring Foundation, said: “The Haring Studio is excited to partner with innovative brand Etta Loves, bringing Haring’s core message of Art is for everybody to a new generation. Haring’s Iconic and bold artwork, with minimal use of lines make the perfect patterns for these sensory designs.” 

Jen Fuller, founder of Etta Loves, added: “Keith Haring famously said that “Art is for everyone” so to be able to introduce the radiant joy of his work to a new generation is an honour.

“This unique range truly does collide art with science in the most magical of ways, to support babies with their development whilst giving parents some well needed and very stylish calm in the everyday.”

Sesame Street becomes first brand to launch on Blank Slate platform as artists recreate iconic characters

Sesame Street has become the first brand to launch as part of a new platform curated by Champion Athleticwear and Foot Locker that taps notable creators to bring exclusive collaborations to life.

Called Blank Slate, the platform will make its debut with the launch of a limited edition collection of styles based on Sesame Street’s iconic characters, brought to life by the artists Jason Freeny and Naturel.

This week, the Jason Freeny collaboration debuts with adult t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and pants featuring Cookie Monster, The Count, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, and Elmo. Freeny, a New York-based sculptor, is known for his anatomical character dissections.

Meanwhile, the first Blank Slate drop with adult Sesame Street t-shirts and hoodies was released in December and designed by contemporary artist Naturel, a Maryland native who draws inspiration from pop art, cubism, and surrealism.

“Sesame Street is a multi-generational brand, and we are always looking for new and unique ways to create inspired products for our adult fans,” said Kerri Estreich, senior director, licensing, Sesame Workshop. “We love the stylization that Jason Freeny and Naturel bring to the table. They offer fun, dynamic, yet very different models for how the Sesame Street characters can be creatively interpreted while remaining true to our brand essence.”

Matt Waterman, general manager, Champion North America, added: “We are excited about the launch of the Sesame Street Jason Freeny Collection. Champion is the perfect canvas to bring together iconic partnerships like Sesame Street and artists in a creative way. Freeny’s creative designs for this collection are fun and unique to appeal to Champion and Sesame Street fans.”

The Jason Freeny program is Champion’s third release with Sesame Street to date.

Blueprint Collections’ Van Gogh Museum range sees significant success online and in stores

Licensing Link Europe is celebrating the ongoing strong sales, retail support for, and significant success of Blueprint Collections’ range of stationery and gift items based on the the internationally revered art brand, The Van Gogh Museum.

The range – which consists of 21 items – launched before Christmas in John Lewis stores and online, as well as with Amazon, where it has its own dedicated page, and through which the range has achieved a sell out success.

The artwork on the products, including an umbrella, compact mirror, wash bag, jotter and pencil case, features key pieces from the Van Gogh Museum collections such as Almond Blossom, Sunflowers Pink Peach Tree, and Self-Portrait with Pipe and Straw Hat. The artist’s letters have also been utilized as design elements across the range.

In addition to launching in the UK, the range is also available internationally in Papelaria, Chile, Galaries Lafayette in France, and distributed by Jasnor in Australia.

Further product development for this year will include office accessories and storage items.

The deal with Blueprint Collections was secured by Licensing Link Europe, the UK and Ireland agent for the Van Gogh Museum.

Lisa Shand, MD, Blueprint Collections, said: “We have had a tremendous response to the launch of the Van Gogh Museum stationery and gift range not only in the United Kingdom but internationally. The range itself developed alongside the museum’s team has proved a great success in terms of sell-through. And we look forward to extending the range later this year, focusing on working from home, including storage and office accessories.”

Chris Taday, director Licensing Link, said: “From signing the license to launching the product range, this has been a collaborative effort with all parties. As we move forward into this year, we are pleased with how the Van Gogh Museum licensing programme is maturing – supported by best-in-class licensees and partners.”

Elsewhere, ASOS is continuing to support a range of Van Gogh Museum t-shirts from The Collective, designs including Sunflowers.

Further new launches for 2021 will come from Danilo (diaries, calendar, and greeting cards) as well as the launch of Ecoffee Cup with its range of reusable cups available from March.

The University of Cambridge appoints Plus Licens AB as European licensing agency

The University of Cambridge has appointed Plus Licens AB as its new European licensing agent as part of the establishment’s plans to build its licensing programme outside of the UK.

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the fourth-oldest university in the world with alumni including 110 Nobel Prize Laureates, 47 Heads of State and 190 Olympic Medalists.

Rich in history, the University’s famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world, while its museums and collections hold treasures that offer an exciting insight into some of the scholarly activities, both past and present, of the University’s academics and students.

With alumni that include Newton, Keynes, Hawking and Darwin, Cambridge has always been and continues to be a place of where curious minds make great discoveries including gravity, DNA and evolution to name a few.

Len Dunne, CEO, Fitzwilliam Museum Enterprises, said: “FME Ltd manages both the University trademark programme and the commercial rights of the rich collections of its museums.

“In the UK, FME Ltd has retail, online (CuratingCambridge.com), wholesale and licensing divisions and, with the support of Plus Licens, it would like to give the opportunity to the rest of the European based licensees and consumers to enjoy a unique Cambridge experience. It is proud to be working with Plus Licens, its very first licensing agent for the territory.”

Eva Brännström, executive vice president, Plus Licens AB, added: “We are extremely proud and happy to have been appointed the pan-European agent by University of Cambridge. The University and the great museums represent everything that the world needs now more than ever: education, history, art and science.

“Plus Licens is committed to long term relationships and we now look forward to start a brand program based on the good values and fantastic art programs available from The University of Cambridge.”

Historic Environment Scotland taps Kirkwall jewellers Ortak for handmade trinkets and gifts

Historic Environment Scotland has signed a new licensing agreement with the Kirkwall-based jewellery manufacturer Ortak ltd to produce a range of handmade, branded jewellery and giftware.

As part of its portfolio, HES manages the licensing programme for a portfolio including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Historic Scotland. Each programme reflects HES’ brand values – with revenue from products sold helping to directly support the work HES does to investigate, care for, and promote Scotland’s historic environment.

Ortak Ltd owner, Michael Gardens, said: “The Ortak team is looking forward to working with HES on this exciting new venture.  This amazing opportunity to offer HES branded jewellery and giftware to our customers all over the world has come at an opportune time when online sales have soared.”

The new deal will see Ortak sell HES branded items across its Orkney and Cairness stores, while for the first time it will be able to sell HES products directly to trade.

Gardens added: “Building on our green credentials and protecting the environment are basically ingrained into the Orcadian DNA, with Orkney being at the forefront of renewable technology. We also use Fair trade silver and gold and ethically sourced stones and packaging. 

“For six decades Ortak’s designers have used inspiration from the historic and natural world and now this agreement will enable us to put something back and allow us to help further celebrate Scotland’s history.”

Natasha Troitino, head of retail at HES, said: “We are delighted to have signed this license with one of Scotland’s best known jewellery brands. It is a great addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to working together with Ortak to develop these beautiful ranges.”

HES currently cares for more than 300 properties ranging from the Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, with their ancient royal histories, to prehistoric sites such as Skara Brae in Orkney. HES’s iconic sites are the setting for many films and TV programmes including Outlander, Monty Python and Mary Queen of Scots. 

As Scotland’s lead body for the historic environment, HES supports the wider historic environment in several important ways, from championing traditional skills to supporting learning and outreach. It also cares for thousands of objects and photographs and is at the forefront of activity to help mitigate the impact of climate change on the historic environment.