Signs for Sounds: Contemporary Letterforming and Calligraphy

PRESS RELEASE
Signs for Sounds: Contemporary Letterforming and Calligraphy
18 February - 9 April 2012

[right]Julien Breton, Freedom- Field at Creswell, Photography by David Gallard.

Discover the shapes of words and the Signs for Sounds at the Harley Gallery, 18 February - 9 April.

The exhibition explores letterform and calligraphy, from traditional quill pens and stone cutting, to tattoos and cutting-edge technology.

Whether you love writing letters with a proper fountain pen, playing with new computer systems, or are learning your first joined up writing, this exhibition has something exciting for you to see.

Gary Breeze's work, inspired by Roman abbreviations, has echoes in the shortened text speak of today. Jason Edward Lewis' virtual typography gives visitors chance to experiment and re-shape poetry on touchscreen monitors. Bunny Bread brings graffiti into the Gallery, while Jeremy Tankard shows us how a typeface is designed.

New works have been commissioned for this exhibition. Julien Breton has made light calligraphy especially for Signs for Sounds. His pieces spanning traditional calligraphic techniques, photography and choreography, were made in the local area and include Welbeck, Creswell and Worksop.

Tim Donaldson, famous for creating the worlds largest hamburgefonts with a two foot wide brush, and for writing texts that you can't read, will produce a new work at the Gallery. Visit and watch his performance, with splashes of ink, swoops from oversized brushes, and lots of lovely lettering. Free entry, Sunday 19 February, 12oon - 2pm.

Visit Signs for Sounds: Contemporary Letterforming and Calligraphy to see a chorus of artists and designers voices. The exhibition is showing from 18 February until 9 April.

The Harley Gallery is on the A60 between Mansfield and Worksop, is free to enter and also has free parking.

Signs for Sounds is a Harley Gallery touring exhibition curated by Jeremy Theophilus.