#52
HATCH SHOW PRINT: Nashville Calling
13.11.13 – 14.12.13
exhibition info | press release | programme of events | images | reviews | private view | publication | invitation
Private view: Tuesday 12th November 2013 6 – 8.30pm
With live music from Nashville’s Ned Luberecki (banjo) and Stephen Mougin (guitar)
CHELSEA space is delighted to present the very first UK exhibition dedicated to the American letterpress art of Hatch Show Print based in Nashville, Tennessee.
The exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to view archive material and stunning posters from this world-renowned producer of letterpress design and will explore importance of the art of the poster in the history of communication. Originally established in 1879, in a world before TV advertising and the internet, Hatch Show Print used strong design to convey information to the widest possible audience – a visual ‘shout’ across the American landscape.
Hatch’s design success is most closely associated with posters for Country Music and Americana, but also Blues, Jazz, and Rock and Roll including work for musicians such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Aretha Franklin, and Neil Young to name but a few. Originally making posters for religious meetings and travelling entertainments Hatch also produced eye-catching designs for local businesses, product advertisements and political rallies. Using archive artefacts, ephemera, photographs, film, and brilliant poster designs from the 1920s to the present day, this exhibition explores Hatch’s history and its unique position as information network, universally respected art and design agency, and cultural icon.
Hatch Show Print, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest letterpress print shops in the U.S. Now owned and operated by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and overseen by Hatch Show Print Curator and Manager Jim Sherraden, the shop not only maintains the original, hand-carved wood blocks and massive letter presses for producing restrikes of classic designs, but also creates new art that continues the venerable firm's tradition. The exhibition will feature some of Sherraden's own recent artworks alongside Hatch originals.
The influential Hatch Show Print is revered by artists and academics as well as fans. This quintessentially American exhibition will be accompanied by a range of talks, lectures, and music events to celebrate Hatch Show Print and the Nashville Calling exhibition.
- Ends -
Exhibition curated by Donald Smith with Jason Brown.
Publication
As with each exhibition at CHELSEA space, a new illustrated publication will accompany the
show.
Press Information
For further information, images or to discuss interviews please contact:
Karen Di Franco or Daisy McMullan at CHELSEA space
via email info@chelseaspace.org or tel:020 7514 6983
Notes to Editors
• Images and further information are available upon request
• About: CHELSEA space is a public exhibiting space, sited on the Millbank campus of Chelsea College of Art & Design, where invited art and design professionals are encouraged to work on experimental curatorial projects. See: www.chelseaspace.org
• In copy please refer to CHELSEA space and not ‘The Chelsea space.’
• Gallery opening times: Tue – Fri: 11:00 – 17:00, Sat: 10:00 – 16:00
• Private view: 12th November 2013, 18:00 – 20.30, with live music from Nashville’s Ned
Luberecki (banjo) and Stephen Mougin (guitar)
• Admission: FREE
Chelsea College of Arts is one of the world’s leading art and design institutions. Located at Millbank, next door to Tate Britain, Chelsea specialises in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Interior and Textiles Design. Since its origins in the 19th century, the College has produced many of the greatest names in the arts, including: Quentin Blake (illustrator and author) Ralph Fiennes (film and stage actor), AnishKapoor (sculptor), Steve McQueen, (artist), Chris Ofili (artist), Alan Rickman (film and stage actor), Alexei Sayle (comedian) and Gavin Turk (sculptor).
Operating at the heart of the world’s creative capital, University of the Arts London is a vibrant international centre for innovative teaching and research in arts, design, fashion, communication and the performing arts. The University is made up of six Colleges: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. Renowned names in the cultural and creative sectors produced by the University include 12 Turner prize winners and over half of all nominees, 10 out of 17 fashion designers named British Designer of the Year, more than half of the designers showcased in London Fashion Week and 12 out of 30 winners of the Jerwood Photography Award.
