A nostalgic memorial book invoking the ANZAC links between New Zealand and Belgium has carried off the Binding and Finishing Category Prize.

The Passchendaele Memorial Book was produced by Verve Digital Ltd of Christchurch who printed it for the Waimakariri District Council. Commemorating the 90th anniversary of the tragic battle, the book was presented by the council to the Mayor of Zonnebeke in Belgium.

Senior finishing judge Chris Woodhead said the book was notable both for its content and for its innovative use of digital print technology. “The material is obviously very sombre and poignant. The replication of aged documents in the book was very tastefully done to reflect that mood. The work reflected a superb choice of materials, imagery, design and production skills.

“It was printed by inkjet, case bound using leather and look-alike material chosen to mimic the canvass carried by WWI servicemen. The end result is a fantastic reflection of the original documents and memorabilia from nearly a century ago. It is a job I could not fault.”