Print still lives and Richard Ardagh of New North Press in London is bearing witness with his limited edition Forme, a typographic exploration of words, language & understanding. This was set in wood and metal type by hand, essay in hot-metal by Harry McIntosh (no pun) and printed letterpress. I asked Ardagh about his motivation.
What is the purpose behind Forme?The remit of Forme is to typographically explore words, language and understanding. The aim is to present scientific research about commonly experienced themes in a visually arresting way. As a self-publishing venture, on a personal level my purpose is to use letterpress to create something contemporary and outward-looking.
Untruth is certain “in the news” these days. How does this theme and type come together as bedfellows?
Type is a powerful tool and hyperbolic language triggers emotions easily. The aim of the pamphlet’s content is to catch people’s attention, then make them consider how they’ve been caught by unpicking examples of ‘untruths’ and explaining what happens in the brain when we encounter these messages.
We call this a broadside where I come from, what do you call it?
Because it’s a titled publication I’ve been calling it a pamphlet, but it is also designed to be viewed unfolded as a poster so broadside may be a better term.
What’s coming in future issues?Issue 2 will investigate swearing.
How do people get this?http://new-north-press.co.uk/product/forme-01/
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About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →