London’s Building Blocks - A Letterpress Exhibition by the Legendary Alan Kitching

The esteemed and influential English printer Alan Kitching is one of the few figures in the trade who has successfully bridged the transition from an era when letterpress printing was integral to mass media to the present moment, where its appeal lies both in the exploration of its creative possibilities and in the preservation of printing heritage. Kitching embodies both the tradition and modernity of letterpress printing.

This exhibition delves into the transmission of heritage and the craft of letterpress printing. Through a carefully curated selection of works, Alan Kitching: London’s Building Blocks pays tribute not only to Kitching’s illustrious career but also to the past and present of London’s printing culture. Curated by Andrés Oliva, this exhibition presents movable type as the foundational “building blocks” that have shaped both the modern city of London and English cultural identity.

In addition to Kitching’s work, the show will also feature pieces by three contemporary designers: Michelle Dwyer, Theo Hersey, and Christian Granados.

The exhibition will be open to the public at GRAGRA from March 28 to June 30.

About GRAGRA

GRAGRA is a new artistic hub in Madrid, dedicated to exploring the origins of contemporary graphic design. It is a space where tradition and modernity coexist, founded and run by Christian Granados. Beyond serving as a printing workshop, GRAGRA features a versatile exhibition and event space.

Workshop Opportunity

As part of London’s Building Blocks, a special workshop will be held, offering twelve participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on letterpress printing. Spanning two 8-hour sessions on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, this workshop will be led by Michelle Dwyer, Theo Hersey, and Christian Granados. Twelve participants will collaborate to produce a limited-edition publication following Alan Kitching’s guidelines—a rare chance to print alongside one of the living legends of the craft.

Exhibition Details

Title: Alan Kitching: London’s Building Blocks
Dates: Friday, March 28 – Monday, June 30, 2025
Venue: GRAGRA Gallery & Letterpress Studio
Address: Carnicer 18, Tetuán, 28039 Madrid, Spain
Curator: Andrés Oliva — @aaaolivaaa