Jim Sherraden, manager and chief designer of Hatch Show Print in Nashville, Tenn., gave a presentation Tuesday evening at Concordia. He discussed the letterpress process, the history and cultural impact of Hatch Show Print and his work at the press since the early 1980s.
In his work at Hatch Snow Press, Sherraden produces letterpress items using machinery and techniques dating back to the 15th century. Hatch Show Print was established in 1897 and began printing show posters for carnivals, vaudeville, magicians, silent films, and, eventually, music legends from Johnny Cash and Elvis to Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. As such a cultural icon of the country music scene, the press is now owned by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
"The current revival and popularity of letterpress is due in a large part to Jim's work as he took the wonderful storehouse of wood blocks and type at Hatch and began producing fantastic posters," said Paul Berkbigler, assistant professor of art. "His enthusiasm for the art and craft of the process shows through in each piece Hatch creates."
See also: Jim Sherraden's page at the Hatch Show Print site; Kyle Jones' images of the Hatch Show Print shop; Co-author Jim Sherraden's book Hatch Show Print: The History of a Great American Poster Shop