About — Our Story

The Art of Making a Difference: Exceptional, Sustainable Prints That Capture Beauty and Nurture Education & Artistic Expression

At Elkli & Hart, we believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to make a positive impact on the world. Our passion for beauty, exclusivity, and storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. By crafting unique and exclusive gallery-quality photographic prints, we aim to not only enhance your environment but also inspire change and foster a deeper connection to the world around us.

Our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is an essential part of our creative process. We strive to minimise our footprint on the environment by utilising eco-friendly materials and processes, ensuring that every exquisite piece we create is a testament to our values and vision.

But our dedication goes beyond the art itself. We're driven by a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That's why we proudly dedicate 10% of our profits to support environmental, educational, and artistic organisations and charities. Through our art, we aspire to empower future generations, nurture creativity, and promote the importance of education and artistic expression.

Each of our photographic prints has a unique background story that brings the beauty of nature to life while resonating with our core principles. By choosing Elkli & Hart, you're not just acquiring a captivating piece of art; you're becoming part of a community that values sustainability, artistic excellence, and the power of giving back.

Welcome to Elkli & Hart - where every print tells a story, and every story has the power to transform.


The beautiful stained glass dome at Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona.

Our Core Values

As a business continually seeking to enhance the way we work, our values are myriad and ever-evolving. Nevertheless, there are four guiding principles we consistently consider when making crucial decisions about our operations and growth.

Two black-eared kites over a turquoise and aquamarine ocean — Shimane Prefecture, Japan

Championing Sustainability

We are passionate about preserving the beauty of our planet for future generations. To uphold this commitment, we utilise renewable energy sources and sustainable materials and processes throughout our production, minimising our environmental footprint and creating art that reflects our values.

Supporting Education & Creativity

We recognize the power of education and artistic expression to inspire change and empower individuals. By allocating 10% of our profits to educational and artistic organisations and charities, we strive to cultivate talent, spark innovation, and create opportunities for personal and community growth.

Creating
Exceptional Art

Each of our exclusive prints tells a compelling story, designed to transform spaces and foster a connection with the world around us. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every piece we create meets the highest standards of artistic excellence.

Building a Purpose-driven Community

Our vision goes beyond the art itself; we strive to cultivate a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for beauty, sustainability, and meaningful giving. Together, we can inspire change, promote the importance of education and artistic expression, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Our Founding Story

Our story is an ongoing journey, a truth shared by individuals and companies alike. The following offers a high-level glimpse into who we are, the inspiration behind Elkli & Hart, and some of our core beliefs. The accompanying photographs showcase the various times and places that have shaped our narrative. If you're interested in learning more about Jake Hopking, our founder and creative lead, we invite you to explore his background story.

Black and white 35mm film photograph of Lloyds House London, taken by Jake Hopking at age 14 — London, United Kingdom

As a young boy of just 12 years, Jake Hopking discovered the enchanting world of photography when he bought his first SLR camera, a Nikon FM — which he still uses to this day.

Capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature through his lens, he found himself irresistibly drawn to the magical interplay of light, colour, and form. Over the years, his passion for photography grew in tandem with his exploration of various creative fields, such as graphic design, front-end development, and software engineering.

A photograph of a man holding a Nikon FM SLR film camera
35mm film photograph of a bumblebee flying amonghts a bush of lavender by Jake Hopking at age 12 — Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingom
Beautiful orange sunset taken from the peak of the volcanic mountain, Mt Ruapehu — Mt Taranaki, another volcanic mountain, can be see in the distance — Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand

* * *

Jake Hopking's journey led him to live in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand for five years and immerse himself in the rich culture of Japan for a year and a half.

It was during these transformative experiences that he came to understand the true power of both art and nature — and its potential to heal, connect, and inspire the human spirit.

The gannet colony at Muriwai during a rare lilac coloured sunset — Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
A macro of two sakura, cherry blossom flowers, with shallow depth-of-field and soft bokeh — Tokyo, Japan

* * *

One warm spring afternoon in Japan, as cherry blossoms gently floated through the air, Jake Hopking found himself deep in conversation with a wise, elderly Japanese artist and fellow coffee lover.

The artist shared a simple, yet thought-provoking, Japanese proverb that resonated with him: "Ten people, ten colours'' (十人十色, Juunintoiro), meaning that everyone has their own unique perspective and potential for creativity.

A close-up of a bunch of sakura, cherry blossoms, in the foreground with the Tokyo Tower in blurred creamy bokeh in the background — Tokyo, Japan
The famous Wanitsuka no Sakura (cherry) tree's blossoming branches hang in the foreground, with the snowcapped Yatsugatake mountains in the background — Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

This simple yet profound insight ignited a spark within Jake Hopking. He realised the vital importance of a balanced, holistic education that nurtures the innate creativity within each individual, empowering them to express themselves freely and reach their full potential. He recalled his time in Africa, where he worked alongside a charity to build a school and witnessed the life-changing power of education for the children and their community.

With the wisdom of the Japanese proverb guiding him, Jake Hopking envisioned a brand that would embody the transformative power of art and nature, while championing the importance of a balanced education that nurtures the creative spirit. Thus, Elkli & Hart was born – a brand dedicated to creating exclusive, gallery-quality photographic and mixed-media prints that not only celebrate the beauty of our world but also support educational and artistic causes.

A detailed close-up image of the ornate patterns and paintwork on the Gojunoto, Five Storied Pagoda — Kyoto, Japan

* * *

Drawing from his multicultural family and a wealth of international experiences, Jake Hopking understands the value of embracing diverse perspectives and ideas.

He believes that businesses can be a force for good when they prioritise social responsibility and strive to challenge the status quo. With Elkli & Hart, we seek to unite people across the globe in a shared appreciation for art, education, sustainability, and innovation.

A woman sits and reads whilst sitting on a red velvet blanket inside a bamboo seating area — her face and body obscured by the buildings wall, with only her sandals and kimono visible — Nezu Museum, Minato, Tokyo
A Japanese macaque mother hugs and holds its baby's hand whilst sitting on the rocks beside a natural hot spring — Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Today, Elkli & Hart stands as a testament to Jake Hopking's passion, vision, and dedication. Each beautiful print we create tells a story that reflects the beauty, resilience, and interconnectedness of our world. Through our commitment to supporting educational and artistic causes, we strive to create a brighter, more compassionate world – one where every individual can embrace their unique colours, and where every captivating image has the power to inspire change.

❦

The photographer behind the lens

Embark on a journey with Elkli & Hart's founder, whose life is interwoven with art, technology, and a passion for social change. Discover his inspirations, core beliefs, and the driving force behind this innovative and purpose-driven venture.

Read full story
Jake Hopking standing on a clifftop looking out of the Tasman Sea in New Zealand