Experimental Bookdesign & London's Little Presses
"'Short run': experimental book design & London's little presses" is an exhibition and illustrated talk showcasing the book design and production practices of five London-based little presses:
Stuart Montgomery's Fulcrum Press
Stefan & Franciszka Themerson's Gaberbocchus Press
Roy Lewis's Keepsake Press
Asa Benveniste's Trigram Press and
Bob Cobbing's Writers Forum.
This free exhibition, 12-30 January, at St Bride's Printing Library, London focuses on the heyday of little press publishing in London (1945-79), from the end of World War 2 to the beginning of Thatcher. *Additionally on Thursday 15 January, the curator Rathna Ramanathan will give a talk, 7.00pm (with exhibition open from 6.00pm). Admission £7, concs £5. Pay on the door.
Location & more info: http://www.stbride.org/
"Little presses are not Miniature Big Presses. Nor is the word 'Little' a term of endearment. [...] The difference between Little Presses and Big Presses is not in their respective sizes, nor in their loveability [sic], but in the Minds that are behind them. [...] Both minds may be most magnificent, but they start working from two opposite ends. A really Big Press Mind starts with Market Research. [...] The Minds behind Little Presses work in a different way. [...] They start with a Thought."
- Stefan Themerson, 'Introduction' to the 1974 "Catalogue of little press books in print published in the United Kingdom"
Stuart Montgomery's Fulcrum Press
Stefan & Franciszka Themerson's Gaberbocchus Press
Roy Lewis's Keepsake Press
Asa Benveniste's Trigram Press and
Bob Cobbing's Writers Forum.
This free exhibition, 12-30 January, at St Bride's Printing Library, London focuses on the heyday of little press publishing in London (1945-79), from the end of World War 2 to the beginning of Thatcher. *Additionally on Thursday 15 January, the curator Rathna Ramanathan will give a talk, 7.00pm (with exhibition open from 6.00pm). Admission £7, concs £5. Pay on the door.
Location & more info: http://www.stbride.org/
"Little presses are not Miniature Big Presses. Nor is the word 'Little' a term of endearment. [...] The difference between Little Presses and Big Presses is not in their respective sizes, nor in their loveability [sic], but in the Minds that are behind them. [...] Both minds may be most magnificent, but they start working from two opposite ends. A really Big Press Mind starts with Market Research. [...] The Minds behind Little Presses work in a different way. [...] They start with a Thought."
- Stefan Themerson, 'Introduction' to the 1974 "Catalogue of little press books in print published in the United Kingdom"