Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hatch Show Print...old school N'ville on Lower Broad!

Last night we attended the Nashville Rising benefit concert for flood relief.  As I watched the crowd I noticed a Hatch print commemorating the event was part of the "merch" for sale--with all proceeds being donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Although you might not know it, you have probably seen a Hatch Show Print poster or print at some point in your life.  The company was founded as Charles and Herbert Hatch and moved to Nashville in 1879.

The technique used is called, letterpress, and involves individual, movable letters and image blocks.  These are coated with ink and then pressed onto a surface.

Famous for handbills announcing special appearances in the 1870s, Hatch Print also designs album/CD covers, event posters, postcards, invitations, and many other items.

I first realized that a CD cover was a Hatch print in 2001 when I purchased Bruce Springsteen Live in NYC!


This site tells more about the process:  The Art of Hatch Show Print

Since I became aware of all of the posters and music-related materials designed and printed by Hatch, I visited the store thinking that there would be a ton of historic posters for sale.  But, I found out that little are available in the actual store because the business has moved several times since the 1870s.


 Pretty much the extent of the merch!

Now, I am always on the lookout for "anything Hatch!"  Here are a few that we purchased and framed:


We bought this poster and framed it with a simple black, matte frame.  We purchased it last year when the Conchords played the Ryman.  It was the night of the Good Friday tornado!  The print hangs in our hallway in the loft.

This framed woodcut was designed by the current owner of Hatch.  It's called "The Walking Stick."  Although some of it is cut off due to the glare, you can see a man bending down to pick up his walking stick.  The woodcut is on one of the walls in our bedroom.

...and here's the newest--purchased last night at the concert. I'll have this one framed in a sleek black frame and already have a place in mind!



For more information on Hatch, check out the Hatch section of the Country Music Hall of Fame site:

http://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/making-of-a-poster#video




...always on the lookout for a Hatch!

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