Georgina Estill runs a small-scale traditional letterpress printing studio in North East Yorkshire, working with a combination of historic craftsmanship and contemporary design to keep the typographic art-form alive.
Given our current Information Age, it’s widely believed that the printed word holds a higher value than its digital counterpart. Letterpress was once a printing technique that thrived for centuries before it’s digital counterpart came on the scene. However, it has now re-emerged as an art and craft because of its power to connect, it’s historical strengths, and rich cultural framework.
When applied to paper, a manually inked and pulled print can elevate the typographic content far beyond the capabilities of a screen. By way of poetry, manifesto, quotation or other printed ephemera, the tactility of an impression evidences an element of care and of craft. The time and effort taken to put these words into a tangible form generates a connection with the viewer, adding substance to the content and bringing an authenticity that transcends print quality.
As a hand composer and letterpress printer, the content of Georgina’s prints project her upbeat take on the world. “I discovered the delights of letterpress during my degree and loved to hand compose a piece of typesetting then produce a series of small-scale optimistic prints from it, generally serving as a reminder or gift” explains the printmaker. Since graduating, Georgina has continued to print in this positive way; materialising the words of great artists, writers, thinkers and inspirational people, as well as spoken words that she takes from her friends and family.
“It’s important to me that I harness the beauty of letterpress in a way that gives optimism or positivity a stronger presence in the home. I feel a responsibility to fight the good fight, to stage my own little battle against the overpowering might of the media; in particular the newspaper—it’s all scandal, crime, death and destruction. It’s so easy to forget the good in the world“.
Sourcing beautiful cotton-rich papers and lead type to produce her work, Georgina meticulously carries out the typesetting process and printing of an edition in her studio.
Georgina’s positive prints are available to buy here.
www.georginaestill.myportfolio.com
@georginaestill
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