Chris Andrews started his business selling photographic prints on the streets of Oxford, assisted by his then girlfriend, now wife, roller skating around him to show off the goods. It wasn’t too long before he had persuaded local shops to stock postcards featuring his iconic images of the city. These days, if you buy, send or receive a printed postcard of Oxford, it’s highly likely it will feature one of his designs.

Over the last 40 years ago, Chris Andrews Publications has sold over 20 million postcards, a million books, and ½ million calendars.

printing partners for the long haul

Just like his business, the relationship between Chris Andrews Publications and Holywell Press has stood the test of time. Chris reflects, “I met Peter Burrows [father of Ben Burrows, Holywell’s current MD], at a social event in Oxford about 30 years ago. We got on well and he started printing postcards, college prospectuses, local guidebooks, and calendars for us.

“Since then, our printing requirements have increased significantly, but there are three things I continue to value about Holywell Press: 

•    their attention to detail on every printing job
•    the colour accuracy and quality of print
•    the fact that they’re a local Oxford printer."

postcard printing at scale

Following an inevitable COVID-related lull, Chris Andrews’ postcard business picked up in 2022. Keen to test the print quality of Holywell’s new LE-UV lithographic press, Chris approached Holywell to print several thousand each of over 30 different postcard designs.

The postcard images were printed four-colour, with black only on the reverse, on 300gsm one-sided board. A gloss UV varnish was applied to the postcard fronts to add resilience and make the photographs ‘pop’. With a slight variation in size for some of the designs, the cards were finished as A6 (105mm x 148mm) and a slightly larger 115mm x 165mm.

“Everyone at Holywell is extremely helpful and they are always ready to offer advice on production efficiency to make printing more cost-effective or to minimise waste.”

Chris Andrews, Director, Chris Andrews Publications

print's lasting appeal

Despite the trend towards digital media, Chris sees strong demand for his printed products. “Photographs are evocative, and a great photo requires local knowledge, patience and practise. A professionally printed postcard or a photographic image on a calendar or fridge magnet can provide a far more enduring memento than a photo buried on a smart phone or in a WhatsApp chat.”

Chris rates his experience working with Holywell Press highly, concluding, “Everyone at Holywell is extremely helpful and they are always ready to offer advice on production efficiency to make printing more cost-effective or to minimise waste.”

To find out more about postcard printing, turning your designs into commercial products, or creating a photobook, call 01865 242098 or contact us using the button below.