'Photo-Lettering: Fanatically Fabricated Alphabets for the Future' demonstrates new use form for lost art

October 31st 2012

Type foundry House Industries, based in Yorklyn, brings a host of materials to the Delaware College of Art and Design for the exhibition “Photo-Lettering: Fanatically Fabricated Alphabets for the Future”, opening Friday, November 2.

Hand-printed panels, floor-to-ceiling scrims and free-standing hand-cut wood letter specimens will transform the Toni & Stuart B. Young Gallery into a demonstration of how traditional photographic lettering reproduction has found a contemporary application.

From its founding in 1936 until succumbing to the digital publishing revolution in 1997, Photo-Lettering created the most culturally significant repository of film-based display lettering in the world. House Industries purchased the collection in 2003 and has set about digitally remastering select alphabets and making them accessible for a new generation of designers and consumers. 

During the November 2 exhibit opening, mingle with the DCAD community, members of the House Industries Team and watch screenprinting in action as The Awesome Dudes churn out some cool designs. The reception is from 5 – 8 p.m. and is sponsored by Whole Foods Glen Mills and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.

Thursday, November 8, head to Wilmington’s Theatre N for a free artist lecture with House Industries co-founder Rich Roat and type designer Ken Barber who will present the process, philosophy and practical application of Photo-Lettering while explaining why the history of this collection teaches valuable lessons for the future. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. RSVP to sganter@dcad.edu.

This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.