Chris Beetles

Chris Beetles Gallery's existing website, launched in 2019, successfully displayed a collection of 35,000 works managed via a FileMaker database also used as their business system. Despite its success, the site's outdated technology limited new design adaptations and SEO control. Aiming to enhance image display, a consultation led to the decision for a complete rebuild using the Laravel framework to meet current and future needs, necessitating a redesign of the FileMaker database as well.

The Solution

The solution we developed is a bespoke e-commerce website for Chris Beetles Gallery, featuring enhanced search capabilities and high-quality image displays to highlight artwork and sculptures. It includes carousels and social media integration tools like Jucier.io and GrahamSnaps, enhancing the promotion of exhibitions and events. The project also integrated the rebuilt FileMaker app with the Laravel website, utilising FileMaker’s native functions for API communication, allowing dynamic content management directly from the database. This integration includes managing stock, artists, and exhibitions, with a user interface designed for efficiency and scalability, ensuring ease of future upgrades and maintenance by developers.

The Results

Chris Beetles Gallery now benefits from a modern website that enhances customer engagement through social media and email newsletters, and reduces the time and errors associated with managing stock and updating website content. The improved system offers better error reporting and is well-prepared for future business needs.

What We Did

We developed a responsive website for Chris Beetles Gallery using Laravel, featuring a modern design with interactive elements like lightboxes, carousels, and a masonry display for artwork. The site is optimised for web and mobile use, includes Stripe payment integration, and a FileMaker bridge. Social feeds were enhanced using Juicer.io and GrahamSnaps.