Capsule History of the Broadside by David Abel
The term “broadside” usually refers to a single sheet of paper, printed on one side only, often featuring a combination of text and illustration. Broadsides (also known as broadsheets) were among the most common printed materials from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, especially in Britain, Ireland, and North America, and their content ranged from official proclamations and news to scandalous stories and popular ballads.
Because the broadside in its early days was a quick and cheap way to circulate timely information (often selling for just a penny), it has often been compared to whatever form of instant communication is current; today, the email blast or tweet might be likened to the broadside.
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Before books, before blogs, before broadcasts, there were broadsides. Historically, single sheet broadsheet posters were ephemeral in nature. They were developed in the fifteenth century for royal proclamations, official notices and even advertisements.
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One hundred years ago, beloved American poet William Stafford was born in Hutchinson, Kansas. Although drafted into World War II, Stafford abstained from fighting as a conscientious objector. Instead, he worked in the civilian public service camps.
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Sandy Tilcock's show in the Collins Gallery at the main library in downtown Portland promises to be excellent not only for fans of the book arts, letterpress and literature, but also for any artist who is interested in process. What goes on behind the scenes as Sandy creates her broadsides and books while collaborating with some of the best writers and illustrators of our day? Always a fascinating topic for any artist with much to be learned. Jim Carmin has acquired Sandy's archives and this exhibition will be a fascinating peek inside the vaults.
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Our Flag by Sandy Tilcock. I'm a huge fan of Sandy Tilcock's work. Not only is she a stellar letterpress printer and binder, but her design sensibilities for the broadsides and books she publishes under her lone goose press imprint are top notch.
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