When one of the world’s most revered Champagne houses receives a prestigious Royal Warrant, the occasion deserves to be celebrated not just with a toast, but with a timeless creative record.
Champagne Bollinger – known globally for its craftsmanship, heritage, and elegance – was recently awarded the honour of the Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III. To mark this proud moment, Bollinger approached Datum with a brief: to capture the craftsmanship, care, and symbolism behind the creation and installation of the Royal Warrant plaque.
This would be no ordinary shoot. It would involve two distinct parts: the first in Wimbledon, London, where the plaque was being created by master artisans at Zone Creations, and the second in the historic village of Aÿ in France, the home of Champagne Bollinger.
A Glimpse into Royal Craftsmanship
The journey began at Zone Creations in Wimbledon – a studio renowned for its bespoke design and production work. Here, we were given a front-row seat to the intricate process of crafting the Royal Warrant plaque. Every element was handmade. From the delicate application of gold leaf to the painstaking hand-painting of the Royal Crest, the attention to detail was extraordinary.
We set out to document not just the process, but the passion and precision behind it. Using a combination of macro lenses and controlled lighting, our team captured each stroke, each layer of gold, and the rich textures of the materials. It was essential to portray this act of creation as a form of visual storytelling – honouring the skill of the craftsmen as much as the symbolism of the Royal Warrant itself.
As the final touches were applied and the plaque was prepared for packaging, we filmed the careful wrapping and boxing of the piece – destined to travel across the Channel to Bollinger’s estate in France. This moment marked the end of Part One – a celebration of British creativity and heritage.
To Aÿ, Where Legacy Lives
Our story continued in the beautiful French village of Aÿ, the heartland of Bollinger since 1829. Nestled among the rolling vineyards of Champagne, the Bollinger estate exudes tradition, character, and family legacy.
Here, we joined Bollinger’s senior team – Managing Director Charles-Armand de Belenet, family member Gonzague Villedey, and Étienne Bizot, Grantee of the Royal Warrant – as the newly created plaque was unveiled and installed. The moment was both grand and intimate, a fusion of pride and reflection.
Filming at the estate was not just about capturing the installation. It was about connecting the viewer to the deeper significance of the Royal Warrant – a mark of trust and excellence that has spanned generations. We documented quiet moments between directors, the reflections of the team, and the emotion behind the milestone.
In addition to the video, we captured photography throughout the day – including the official reveal and candid moments behind the scenes. These images are now part of Bollinger’s historic record and can be used across their own storytelling platforms.
A Partnership of Storytelling
At Datum, we believe creative projects like this are more than deliverables – they’re legacy pieces. This commission allowed us to blend our specialisms in video, photography, and storytelling into a seamless narrative that reflected both our client’s values and our commitment to quality.
From a technical perspective, we managed pre-production, location planning, filming logistics, international travel arrangements, and final post-production – ensuring a polished outcome on both sides of the Channel.
We are proud to have been entrusted with this story and to support Bollinger in marking such a historic accolade.
A Final Word
The Royal Warrant plaque now sits proudly at the Bollinger estate – a visual emblem of heritage and excellence. And through our lens, its story will continue to inspire.
If your brand has a story worth telling – whether through video, photography, or integrated creative – our team at Datum is ready to help bring it to life.
