While it is uncommon for a company to reveal the story behind their brand refresh, we believe that ours is one-of-a-kind. After our recent HPW brand refresh, we have been showered with positive feedback, especially regarding our gleaming and colourful new mugs. Predictably, the mugs stirred conversations with visitors, often leading us to share the bittersweet story behind our new image and the mugs. Many individuals were moved by the story and encouraged us to share it, so here goes...
Around the time we acknowledged that the HPW brand needed a makeover, Emily, daughter of our former Head of Graphic Design, Keith Woodall, was seeking work experience, having just graduated in graphic design. As the daughter of Keith and Stella, both former employees, we remembered Emily being born and watched her growing up at the HPW family social events.
Keith joined HPW in 1999 as a graphic designer, entrusted with creating and leading our in-house graphics team. After accomplishing this objective and more, Keith retired in 2019 to follow his passions. As part of his lifestyle change, he spent most of his time surfing and cycling in Cornwall. Over his 20-year tenure with HPW, Keith designed and refreshed the HPW logo several times, ensuring it was perfectly aligned with each stage of our journey. Tragically, a few years after departing HPW to embark on the next phase of his life, Keith passed away unexpectedly.
Once we learned of Emily's graduation in 2022 and her search for work experience before traveling, we knew that she was the best candidate to undertake the HPW brand refresh. Emily had long been a part of the HPW family, but during the summer of 2022, she briefly became a member of our team, crafting the most beautiful new brand design. Subsequently, Emily has had inspiring explorations and more travels to experience. However, we are hopeful that history will repeat itself, and she may once again be a part of the HPW team in the future.
We are very proud of the new HPW brand, which has received an amazingly positive response. But, what it makes it so special for us is knowing just how proud Keith, would have been.