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Picture Books For All Exhibition – The work of W.S. Cowell Ltd
The Hold’s autumn exhibition, Picture Books For All, opens on Friday 21 October, and explores the history of Ipswich-based printers W.S. Cowell Ltd. A visually rich selection of books, prints, original artwork and journals will chart the local, national and international importance of W.S. Cowell.
The free Suffolk Archives exhibition on Ipswich Waterfront will also look at where Cowell sits in the history of modernism in Britain and examines their significant contribution to literature and society through design.
Founded in 1818, W.S. Cowell were general printers that re-invented themselves as progressive art printers during the late 1930s and 1940s. They became colour-plate lithographic printers and were pioneers of an acetate-sheet based process, called plasticowell, which allowed for an immediate and direct transfer from artist to press.
They went on to become instrumental in the launch of Puffin Picture Books at the start of the Second World War, and worked with leading illustrators and artists including Kathleen Hale, Eric Ravilious, Edward Ardizzone, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse; as well as with national art schools including the Royal College of Art.
The final section of the exhibition is dedicated to exploring Cowell’s legacy and their impact on today’s thriving illustrated book market.
As well as the exhibition, The Hold will feature a programme of specially curated tours, talks and workshops suitable for all ages.
