Founded in 1976, Imaginators has evolved from a pre-press specialist into a large format print provider for the events and film sectors
Imaginators, a large format print production company based on the Hertfordshire/Essex borders, is celebrating its 50th year in business. Founded in 1976 by the late Dennis Tydeman, the company is currently owned and operated by his two sons, Matt and Mark Tydeman.
Originally established as a large format pre-press company in Hackney, London, the business relocated to its current 18,000 sq ft facility in Essex in 1998. According to the company, this move coincided with the investment in the UK’s first 5m wide NUR Blueboard press, a strategic shift that transformed the operation from a niche pre-press business into a digital printing provider.
Today, Imaginators predominantly operates Durst 5m and flatbed presses. The company supplies visual solutions for various sectors, including events, festivals, exhibitions, sport, and the film and television industries across the UK and Europe. Its in-house services have expanded to include consultancy, project management, print production, finishing, and installation, alongside recycling and storage services.
Matt Tydeman, who joined the family business in 1985, commented on the anniversary. “I am incredibly proud of this significant milestone, which marks half a century of operating within the large format print sector. We shall enjoy remembering our foundations and reflecting on our achievements and industry awards. Our golden jubilee is a tribute to the hard work of my father, our incredibly dedicated and committed teams and our wonderful clients who have challenged and supported Imaginators during the past 50 years”.
Tydeman continued, “It is an honour to lead the business. The transformation from a traditional pre-press business into a successful large format printing business spanning 50 years is remarkable and I am extremely grateful to our loyal clients and the team around me that make the magic happen and who have all helped shape Imaginators growth.”