The project is the brainchild of Dutch exhibition and interiors specialist Gielissen, which described it as “a spectacular concept that will be a monumental tribute to graphic communications in general”.

The proposed cathedral-like structure is 32m high, 66m long, and 45m wide and would tower over the NEC’s exhibition halls from its location adjacent to hall 17.

It would be made up of 5,000 printed banners, covering 8000sqm, featuring imagery created by artists Sir David Mach and Harald Vlugt.

The NEC has approved the installation and Ipex owner IIR has also sought confirmation from Guinness World Records that it would qualify for inclusion as “the largest graphic print” if built.

For the project to go ahead, Gielissen needs to secure industry sponsorship so that it can cover costs estimated at €600,000-€700,000 for the construction.

Agfa, HP and Kodak have already confirmed their support. Additional suppliers of media, ink and the printed panels are being sought.

Gielissen Belgium general manager Ronald Marien, who was previously worldwide marketing communications manager at Agfa, said: “It will generate a tremendous amount of publicity for printed products and will also attract new types of visitors, such as agencies, print buyers and the art community who will come to the NEC because of the House of Print.

Visitors would be able to go inside the structure during the day to view it, while the intention is to hold related events in it, such as VIP receptions, during the evenings.

Part of the proposal involves selling off the individual banners, which would be signed by the artists and numbered, as part of a commemorative package that would include a book about the project and a DVD. The proceeds would also involve a donation to Charity:Water.

Read the original article at www.printweek.com.

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