You’ve heard of night at the museum. But what about making a day of it? Now is the time to visit—an amazing exhibit of Americana has graced Gadsden. Come see Hatch Show Print at the Gadsden Museum of Art, an American advertising and entertainment living legend!
About Hatch Show Print
Founded in 1879, Hatch Show Print predates most other letterpress and design shops in the nation. The print shop gained renown for its unique, handcrafted posters steeped in centuries-long tradition. The tradition? A technique called letterpress, a laborious process that involves creating images carved in wood or linoleum, setting the type, and then inking and mashing these materials into a masterpiece.
C.R. and H.H. Hatch established Hatch Show Print in the 19th century—and business boomed throughout the 1920s under the expertise of C.R.’s son Will T. Hatch. The shop’s prestige grew throughout the 1900s, becoming an advertising powerhouse for multiple entities throughout the South, especially for entertainment purposes. From minstrel shows to magicians, Hatch Show Print produced quality ad posters and other collateral to encourage patronage. Notable clients of the print shop include Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton.
Nowadays, Hatch Show Print finds itself in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Still printing, Hatch Show Print now offers a gift shop, educational opportunities and workshops, and a gallery of new and old Hatch Show Print hits.
A Day at the Museum
Hatch Show Print at the Gadsden Museum of Art is on display from Jan. 3 to Feb. 28 on the second floor gallery. A reception for the exhibit will occur on Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. The showcase boasts original and “restrike” works from Hatch Show Print—so come check it out if you’d like to learn more about vintage graphic design.
Visit Hatch Show Print at the Gadsden Museum of Art on Broad St. in downtown Gadsden, right off of Hwy 431.
Summary
Galleries and Gadsden. They’re quite the mix. We’d be quite the mix as well. Visit us online to learn more about how we can give you more out of Gadsden living. Browse through our blog for more local happenings, events, and places!