Balvac

Celebrating 80 years in business, Balvac wanted to honour its legacy as a structural repair specialist with a coffee table book that would showcase its rich history. The Balvac book design project was a graphic designer’s dream. Sandy Doull, Balvac’s commercial director for over 25 years, had preserved a treasure trove of archive material. This included ledgers from the first year of trading, historic news clippings and glass slides dating back to the 1930s-1960s.

After diving into these archives, our team worked closely with Balvac to develop a page plan and agree on a budget.

The design approach was intentionally understated, allowing the fascinating photographs, historical records, and illustration stories to shine. A complementary pairing of fonts and a muted colour palette created a timeless aesthetic that reflected Balvac’s heritage.

To further enhance the Balvac book design, we directed a photoshoot with Claire Wood Photography who documented key artefacts. We also recreated several technical drawings to complement the book’s style. Printing and finishing were handled by Galloways Printers, using Omnia by Fenner Paper for a tactile feel that aligned with Balvac’s industrial roots. The cover featured a stunning blind emboss in concrete-coloured Colorset paper, tying the design to the company’s work.

This project wasn’t just about design – it was about storytelling. Every element of the book captured Balvac’s journey, showcasing its impact on the structural repair industry. At Think, we’re proud to have delivered a piece that celebrates Balvac’s history while creating something beautiful for its future.