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On Wednesday, we took the red line out to Belmont to visit Kartemquin Films, the social documentary film company behind Typeface (Director Justine Nagan, 2009).
Typeface documents the history and development of Hamilton Wood Type Museum in the town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, as it continues to thrive despite all odds. We saw the film at its London screening at St Bride Library back in January, and were inspired by the dedication and determination of those working there, not least the eighty-something ex-employee who was still cutting wood type on the Pantograph. We had hoped to visit during this trip but unfortunately the weather put a hold on that.
It was great to meet Justine and her colleagues and discuss another potential screening in London… watch this space.
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.
