“From Homesteads to High-Rises: 140 Years of Raine & Horne”, a stunning 150+ page chronicle celebrating the history of super brand Raine & Horne, was among the finalists in the prestigious Custom Publication of the Year category at the recent Mumbrella Publish Awards held in Sydney at the spectacular Doltone House, Pyrmont.

The compelling publication is a tribute to Raine & Horne’s enduring legacy while also marking 140 years of relentless success, dedication, and innovation spanning three centuries.

Spearheaded by Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne, the book that includes a foreword from Australia’s leading financial commentator Paul Clitheroe, took shape following years of extensive research that delved into business and Raine family archives dating back to the late 18th Century.

The book, planned for release close to Raine & Horne’s 140th anniversary on 23 May 2023, was postponed following Max Raine’s death in February 2023. A significant figure in the brand’s history since the 1950s, the former chairman made an invaluable contribution to the firm’s legacy by moving to a franchising model in the late 1970s.

Raine & Horne’s historical masterpiece is among the industry’s best

The Mumbrella Publish Awards, known for recognising excellence in consumer, business-to-business, and custom publishing across both print and digital platforms, highlighted the exceptional quality and significance of this publication within the industry.

Mr Raine expressed his gratitude for the recognition of the publishing industry. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our network, as well as the enduring legacy of Raine & Horne across Australasia.

“This recognition is equally pleasing as we’re in the real estate business, not publishing. So, being up against successful publishers, including a significant regional NSW newspaper, a regional airline publication, and a title from a trade publishing giant, is an incredible achievement,” Mr Raine said.

“We are immensely proud of this publication, which not only celebrates our rich history spanning three different centuries but also pays tribute to the remarkable individuals who have contributed to our success.”

The design journey of ‘From Homesteads to High-Rises: 140 Years of Raine & Horne’

In 2021, experienced publishing creative Sam Grimmer was briefed with creating a contemporary design style and visual language for the book written by the team at communications agency Corpwrite Australia. Importantly, the design style had to harmonise with Raine & Horne’s brand identity while also being ideally suited for a lengthy and expansive document, such as a coffee table book.

“Raine & Horne’s rich history offered a vast archive of historical and contemporary images. As is often said, “a picture speaks a thousand words”, and we have used around 300 images, so combined with 40,000 words, we are telling a pretty big story!” Mr Grimmer said.

From a technical perspective, a significant challenge in the production of ‘From Homesteads to High-Rises: 140 Years of Raine & Horne’ was repairing and retouching a considerable number of newspaper clippings and pictorial images that were rich and essential but very old and often somewhat faded and damaged by the march of time. 

To read a copy of 'From Homesteads to High-Rises: 140 Years of Raine & Horne', please visit www.rh.com.au/our-story.