The Lettering Arts Trust is delighted to present ‘The Nereids’ at the Fermoy Gallery, King’s Lynn as a featured exhibition of the King’s Lynn Festival from 16 to 30 July 2022. The artworks depict some of the benign goddesses of the sea’s rich abundance and protectors of sailors and fishermen who were revered by the citizens of Ancient Greece and Rome. Each Nereid represented a personification of a particular attribute of the sea.
This mixed media show presents work by accomplished lettering artists affiliated to the Lettering Arts Trust. There are calligraphic works on paper, examples of complex letterpress compositing; textiles, etchings and, of course, fine carvings in slate, marble and other stone.
As well as renowned lettering artists such as Cherrell Avery, Alan Kitching, Charlotte Howarth and Annet Stirling, the exhibition provides an opportunity for some of the up-and-coming artists to show their skills. This new generation is influenced by its forebears and but is bringing a new, contemporary sensibility to lettering art.
Among the Nereids at The Fermoy Gallery are ‘Doris’ who represents the sea’s bounty; ‘Doto’ who gave safe passage to sailors; ‘Glauke’ of the ‘blue-grey’ waters; ‘Menippe’ denoting horses manes as breaking waves. Each work is unique and all are for sale, with prices ranging from £250 to £2500.
Karoline Newman, exhibition curator and Executive Director, The Lettering Arts Trust says “we are delighted to be partnering with the King’s Lynn Festival to bring the intricate work of contemporary lettering artists to new audiences. The Nereids is a touring show that engages on many levels – artistic, classical, and craft appreciation. It demonstrates that the precious craft of hand lettering and hand carving is as relevant today as it always has been – and cannot be replaced or replicated by machines. It is really important that we conserve and sustain this important heritage craft for the future.”
Proceeds from all sales contribute to the work of the Lettering Arts Trust which supports the training of the next generation of lettering artists, specifically in the hard-won skill of hand letter design and hand carving in order to sustain this precious heritage craft.