Paper and packaging specialist James Cropper has teamed up with papercraft artist Nathan Ward to create a bespoke 3D diorama titled “Message in a Wrap”. The artwork is made entirely from moulded fibre and paper.
The collaborative project, which forms part of James Cropper’s 180th anniversary celebrations, brings together art and material innovation to highlight the company’s heritage in craftsmanship and its bespoke packaging capabilities, said the company. Central to the piece is a depiction of Bruichladdich’s distillery on Islay alongside James Cropper’s historic Burneside mill in Cumbria, reflecting a recent collaboration between the two businesses on sustainable moulded fibre packaging.
“Our ethos is to ‘be like no other’,” said Jordan Scott, marketing communications manager at James Cropper. “There’s a natural synergy between the James Cropper and Bruichladdich businesses, with both placing an emphasis on their rich heritage, sustainability, and innovation.”
The James Cropper team created paper sheets from the same pulp used in its moulded fibre products, allowing for precise colour matching and a seamless transition between materials. Artist Nathan Ward, known for his intricate papercraft, adapted his techniques to work with James Cropper’s Vanguard paper and the specially produced moulded fibre sheets. “It’s really inspiring to see how the team is pushing the possibilities of paper,” said Mr Ward.
The final result is a multi-layered artwork that blends tradition and innovation, echoing the values shared by both companies, and offering a visual narrative of craftsmanship and sustainability in modern packaging, explained the company.
