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Chicago Publishers Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center
“From the largest university publisher in the U.S. to experimental ‘micro-presses’ to authors of every stripe, Chicago’s literary entrepreneurs are motivated by a do-it-yourself spirit and a fierce independence. Visitors are invited to explore the Chicago Publishers Gallery in order to get a sense of the many exciting publications that are being written and published in Chicago today”. www.chicagopublishersgallery.com
It seems that the self-publishing explosion has not been confined to London, with the popularity of immediate methods of production such Risograph printing apparent, not just in the handout we were given at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Chicago Publishers Gallery provides a unique space in which mainstream publications sit alongside hand-drawn comics. Unfortunately the DIY ethos underpinning many of these publications was not reflected in some of the displays, with books in locked cabinets giving them a preciousness that made them less accessible.
This blog documents the journey of Alexander Cooper and Rose Gridneff as they prepare to deliver a paper at the 'Case for Letterpress' session at the College Art Association Annual Conference, February 2010.
Each college presenting are contributing staff and student work for a touring exhibition to give an overview of the different roles letterpress plays in design education.
Participating students from the BA in Graphic Media Design at London College of Communication are:
Kate Burn
Jacqueline Ford
Natasha Pia Podgoretsky
Johanna Woolhead
Alexander Cooper graduated from London College of Printing in 2003 with a BA (Honours) in Typo/Graphic Design. He has run the letterpress workshop at what is now LCC for the past six years, teaching students from across the School of Graphic Design and external groups including University of Delaware, Art Center College and Kingston University. Research focuses on the interaction between content and process, through pushing the boundaries of letterpress whilst respecting its traditions. Other interests include the graphical language of political protest and ephemera.
Rose Gridneff graduated from London College of Communication in 2005 with a BA (Honours) in Book Arts. Since graduating she has taught on a regular basis at London College of Communication, Southampton Solent University and is currently tutor on the BA in Graphic Design at the University of Brighton. Research interests include the role of letterpress in design education, craft and interaction within print.
Alexander and Rose are currently setting up a letterpress co-operative with James Allen and Elliot Hammer.
