In 2022 Genesis Imaging celebrates 25 years in business! We’ll be celebrating this significant milestone at various points throughout the year, but first, we look back at where it all started and how we’ve ended up where we are now.
Genesis Laboratory Ltd – a partnership between Ken Sethi and Howard Lee – opened for business in 1997 at Michael Road in Fulham. Genesis began with on-site E6 transparency film processing and printing using a small team of four experienced technicians and two printers. The initial setup in 2,500 sq ft could process a staggering 300 35mm films an hour. A year later, with continued support from clients, the business began providing C-type and Black and White film processing and printing.
“We see the key areas in providing the best possible customer service as being able to offer consistent quality and reliability combined with speed. We’re friendly and flexible, and we’ve got a lot to offer.”
Ken Sethi, Parnorama Magazine, 1997
With the industry turning to digital, new digital imaging services were introduced in 2000, including film scanning and image retouching. Lambda C-type and Giclée Fine Art printing services were introduced not long after, in 2001, to serve increasing popularity and demand for digital services. Primary Colour lab in Shoreditch was acquired and later incorporated with Genesis in 2004 to provide an additional location in the heart of London. Film processing and printing remained a significant part of the business.
In 2007, new Mounting and Framing services were integrated into Genesis Imaging’s service offering to meet the changing demands of clients. In the same year, Primary relocated to Michael Road. Later, the entire company moved once again to Hurlingham Business Park, with over 10,000 square ft to consolidate service offerings, where we are proud to still be today.
The company’s business focus went entirely digital in 2011, reflecting the changing requirements of the photographic industry. With a new focus came a new name – Genesis Digital Imaging – which remained until 2012 when ‘Digital’ was removed to reflect the broad range of services that Genesis had grown to offer. The finishing department was expanded once again.
Genesis introduced Direct to Media UV Printing in 2013 – the first of its kind in London – to provide new possibilities for clients to print on a wide range of substrates. Where traditional printing was confined to roll-papers, Direct to Media Printing allows clients to print on materials including wood, glass, concrete and a whole host of others, too! Alongside this significant investment in new machinery, Genesis expanded the premises to accommodate extra-large photographic printing, mounting and bespoke framing services – with prints and frames now available over 3x2m.
“The advancement of UV printers has opened the doors for photographic works to become much more sculptural. Using our Direct to Media printing service, we’ve produced artwork for clients on materials ranging from Dibond, glass, wood, right through to rubber and concrete – we’re always trying new things. Experimentation is important.”
Ken Sethi, Art and Framing today, 2017
Just a year later, in 2014, the premises expanded once again, and Genesis Imaging introduced ChromaLuxe Fine Art Printing. With the look of traditional Cibachrome prints, and significant resilience against abrasion, water, chemicals and fire, these prints are exclusive in London to Genesis Imaging. The metal prints are produced using dye-sublimation – a combination of heat and pressure – and feature in wide-ranging exhibitions, including one underwater.
In 2018 there was a further expansion to accommodate larger-sized works and a re-jig of the premises was made to give Genesis a new reception and a larger client viewing area. Due to significant increases in demand for Direct to Media services, a substantial financial investment is made in the most advanced Direct to Media printer, the Swiss Q Nyala. The Swiss Q Nyala offers refined print detail, larger sizes through roll to roll printing, alongside the option of added varnish – giving clients greater control in their artistry.
The Genesis you see today may have evolved over the years, but the core belief of putting clients first has remained the same throughout.
Thank you to all of our clients for helping us reach this significant milestone – we couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to the next 25 years!
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