Bristol celebrates ‘experimental design’

In the week that Bristol introduced its own currency, this creative city in the west has also announced details of its fourth Book and Zine Fair, with a focus on experimental design.

2011 Artist’s Books and Zine Fair

Source: courtesy Spike Island. Photo: Carl Newland

2011 Artist’s Books and Zine Fair

Taking place at contemporary art and design centre Spike Island, this year’s event features an exhibition of posters, prints and cards by letterpress printer Desmond Jeffery; as well as a packed fair selling the wares of independent publishers, designers and collectives.

Desmond Jeffery, Contemporary British Printmakers flyer (1960).

Source: Image courtesy Sally Jeffery

Desmond Jeffery, Contemporary British Printmakers flyer (1960).

Jeffrey’s gorgeous letterpress typographic work was initially created with an Adana Press, out of a back room at his mother’s New Malden home.

His knack with the antiquated technology led him to set up a full letterpress workshop in Marylebone, London, and he remained based in the city throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Judging by these images, the show is well worth a look to find out more about this unsung hero of type.

Hyphen Books

Source: Hyphen Books

Hyphen Books

Throughout the day will be a series of talks, performances and readings from artists and writers including Luke Kennard, Patrick Coyle, I am Dora and Marie Toseland.

Claire Huss, I am Dora, Part 1 (2012)
Claire Huss, I am Dora, Part 1 (2012)

Those keen to see just how these beautiful creations are made are in luck, as Spike Island-based designer Jono Lewarne of City Edition Studio will be working from a temporary studio in the gallery to produce a printed Risograph publication with the help of design students from the University of the West of England.

HATO press

Source: HATO press

The Book and Zine Fair takes place on S 20 October at Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1

L.I.E archive

Source: L.I.E.

L.I.E archive

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