By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Art brand Jimbobart has expanded substantially since it started its brand licensing partnership with The Point.1888, and further growth is expected in 2022 with new licensing deals.
Established in 2009 by illustrator James Ward, the Jimbobart brand focuses on eccentric animal illustrations with human traits. Over the past two years Jimbobart has been growing rapidly, having seen a record number of orders for Christmas via Wolf & Badger and other B2C platforms.
“This is such an exciting time for Jimbobart and James,” said Janine Richmond, Head of Brand at The Point.1888. “We’ve seen a real surge of interest thanks to the fun and quirky illustrations that bring a smile to your face whenever you see them. Bringing on two new sub-agents and new partners shows the cross-territory appeal of the brand and helps to grow the programme in an authentic and sustainable way. Bring on 22!”
The Point.1888, master-agent of Jimbobart, has signed two new sub-agents, The Licensing Locomotive for Iberia, and Moxie for the US, to help grow the brand internationally.
This also comes on the back of two new licensing deals. A consumer products program for tabletop, textiles and barware via Pure Tabletop and a canvas print consumer products deal across North America & Europe that was arranged by Moxie.
Following the success of their previous product ranges, Elite Tins will continue with the Jimbobart brand and deliver products to retail. These products will include cake, sandwich, and biscuit tins.
In addition, an art exhibition is currently in the works in the UK. The brand has exhibited at Top Drawer showcasing the British Wildlife Collection, with a percentage of all sales being donated to the Sussex Wildlife Trust. The brand is also being stocked at many new retailers in the region, including Fenwick.
“It’s great to see the momentum building up in the licensing programme with activity happening worldwide and more projects in the pipeline,” said James Ward, creator of Jimbobart.
I’m so happy to share my love of nature and wildlife with a growing audience, it’s so lovely to hear stories from happy customers about their relationships with the animals and characters featured in my illustrations.”