Alan Kitching’s exhibition at GRAGRA Gallery in Madrid showcases his renowned letterpress work alongside pieces from designers he has mentored. Running until 30 June, the exhibition explores the heritage and relevance of print in a digital age, featuring a hands-on workshop.
Alan Kitching: London’s Building Blocks, a new exhibition at GRAGRA Gallery & Letterpress Studio in Madrid, runs from 28 March to 30 June. The show features Kitching’s renowned letterpress work alongside pieces created by three emerging designers he has mentored. The exhibition explores the heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary significance of print in a digital age.
Curated by Andrés Oliva, the exhibition highlights how letterpress has shaped not only London’s cultural identity but also its publishing history, serving both as essential building blocks of modern design. Kitching’s work is showcased alongside contributions from Michelle Dwyer, Theo Hersey, and Christian Granados.
Kitching, born in 1940, is a legendary figure in printmaking. He co-founded an experimental workshop and established The Typography Workshop in 1989, where he promotes movable type. Recognised globally, he was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry in 1994, yet remains dedicated to the craftsmanship of printing.
The exhibition features significant works such as Printing in London: 1476–1995, Broadside 10, Dr. Samuel Johnson, and Mr. Kitching’s Travels, encapsulating London’s printing heritage. Additional pieces include an unused Hamlet poster and a Broadside panel that exhibit Kitching’s unique design language.
In addition to Kitching’s legacy, the exhibition presents future perspectives with works from his mentees. Dwyer’s mural, The British Tongue, explores London’s linguistic quirks. Hersey continues Kitching’s teaching tradition with a typographic specimen celebrating the workshop’s legacy. Granados collaborates with the other designers to create a tribute poster, blending their styles.
The exhibition also offers a hands-on workshop on 29 and 30 March, led by Dwyer, Hersey, and Granados. Participants will print a limited-edition publication, experiencing the craft of letterpress first-hand under Kitching’s guidance.
GRAGRA, opened in 2023 by Granados, serves as both a printshop and gallery, aligning with Kitching’s mission to keep letterpress alive. The studio is equipped with traditional type and presses from Europe, enabling designers and enthusiasts to learn and create.
Through exhibitions like Kitching’s, the enduring relevance of letterpress printing is maintained in an era dominated by digital media. The tangible qualities of print offer a sense of permanence and storytelling, bridging generations of printers.
Alan Kitching: London’s Building Blocks at GRAGRA Gallery enriches Madrid’s art scene by showcasing Kitching’s influential letterpress work alongside emerging designers he has mentored. The exhibition not only celebrates Kitching’s legacy but also highlights the importance of letterpress in modern storytelling and craftsmanship. With hands-on workshops and community engagement, the exhibition reaffirms the significance of print in today’s digital world.
Original Source: www.creativeboom.com