Exhibition: Lightboxes + Lettering

Lightboxes + Lettering explores and records the significant history of the printing industry in east London, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Lightboxes + Lettering, an exhibition by Rendezvous Projects, tells the story of the print industry across the 20th century, focussing on the east London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest. The show uncovers and presents a wealth of material: from historic examples of print to objects, photographs of iconic businesses and workers’ memories, told through a new collection of oral histories.

Using archive and newly found material from companies, co-ops and radical presses, the exhibition examines and documents changes in the print industry, exploring the role east London played and the influences of new and digital technologies. Forgotten and intricate techniques are celebrated, with beautiful examples of print on display. Rendezvous Press worked with a team of volunteers to collect the show’s material, producing responses to the project’s findings. An event programme accompanies the exhibition, with chances for visitors to learn about printing techniques and make their own prints.