hatch.

Last Friday I visited Hatch Show Print in downtown Nashville.  I have written out what was written on the poster below because the type is so small.  It explains the history of Hatch Show Print.

Hatch Show Print

History

Hatch Show Print, America’s oldest show poster printer, began operations in 1879.  Printed by the thousands and slapped on the sides of buildings and barns across America, the images you see in this shop have survived the ravages of time and the evolution of modern graphic arts technology by virtue of their outstanding design and special printing process.

The posters in this shop are all hand printed.  Many are modern posters designed and manufactured utilizing wooden type and hand-carved blocks; others are newly printed posters pulled from original wood blocks in the Hatch collection.

Hatch Show Print is now a national Landmark and is listed with the National Register of Historic Places.  Hatch is owned and operated by the Country Music Hall of Fame and is operated as a historic site, unique retail store, and learning center.  

Some examples of the traditional woodblock prints Hatch Show Print is known for.

The interior walls are covered with past woodblock posters they have printed over time and the building still has original flooring and presses.   Upon entry to the store there is a comforting smell of ink on rollers and paper.

When I first arrived they had just hired an intern for part of the summer and were finishing talking about different techniques they use, which was very interesting.  

Here's a pic of me with a neat circus themed poster.

The people working at Hatch Show Print are very nice and helpful.   I would recommend everyone make a visit at some point to this historical landmark.