1980’s Optichrome

So here we have it, the long awaited video found lurking in the back of a cupboard a few months ago. Get ready for a trip down memory lane, well back to the early 80’s anyway!

The video opens with our Repro Manager Paul Sutton talking to Account Manager, Harry Oatley. We then catch receptionist, Rosemary Tomes unawares and see a brief glimpse of who we think is, Keith Benson but could it be Mark Warren?

Then we move into hand finishing and see Jenny, Pat and Phyllis collating EITB which was one of our biggest jobs. Meanwhile Steve Smythe was helping Christine with other finishing work.

Ray Lewis makes his debut with a quick wave to camera and then we move to see Simon Tredenick and Julian Swift, plate making. Simon was one of our first apprentices, along with Neil Hoar, who is still with us today, David Robinson and Richard (Eggy) Farmer.

Even back then, Optichrome encouraged women into print; the next clip shows Hannah Carter pasting up. Straight back into the Sales office next and we see Peter Warren our Designer talking to James Veats our Sales Manager. Apparently James was super cool and rocked a poncho when he was not suited and booted!

The final scene stars General Manager Morris Kemp and then onto the Sales Office with Gill Smith, Harry Oatley and Tom Ruddy. Most of the video was shot by the late Ted Stephens, and it is wonderful to hear his voice again.

Please tag and share this video as it would be wonderful if everyone in it had a chance to see it.