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Typoetry brought poetry and graphic design to the streets. It received the expertise and the talent of many partners. Discover how the project came about and where the artworks could be found.
Typoetry is a showcase of poetry and Swiss graphic design. Around thirty works by poets from Newham, the UK and Switzerland are brought to life through designs by the typography students of the ECAL/University of Art and Design of Lausanne and displayed on the front windows of businesses and public buildings across Newham.
When typography meets poetry
The showcase responds to the theme “Rethink-Rebuild”, with a special focus on Newham and its younger voices. At a time of uncertainties in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, many aspects of our lives need to be redefined. Featuring works by renowned and emerging poets, the poetry collection curated by Steven J Fowler opens new perspectives on today’s global shifts, anchoring them in a rich diversity of experiences, forms and narratives.
Following a workshop led by French typographer Eliott Grunewald, the students of the Master Type Design from the ECAL/University of Art and Design of Lausanne are offering vibrant graphic interpretations of the poems. Inspired by Newham, the artworks give a glimpse into one of Switzerland’s strongest cultural exports, typography.
"Typoetry is utterly unique and has broken new ground for public poetry projects. Not only has it brought together poets across a real range of backgrounds and styles, from age 15 to 70, and celebrated the literary and avant-garde in a way rarely given in such ambitious enterprises, but it has done this in collaboration with design, unlocking the visual potential of the word. And this bold, brilliant and innovative methodology has all been in service of a purposeful and deeply resonant message - a celebration of the city, in and of the very streets we live in, specifically the borough of Newham, as a metaphor for how we all experience the urban. I have never come across a project celebrating poetry in the streets of this scope and ambition, and that carries such considerable and complex works in its fundament." - Steven J Fowler, poetry curator and artist.
A Swiss-Newham project
Led by the Embassy of Switzerland in the UK, Typoetry aims to bridge art forms, languages and communities. As a multilingual and multicultural country, Switzerland regards intercultural exchanges as essential to sustainable societies. The Embassy found ideal partners in the London Borough of Newham: the collaboration with Newham Council, as well as the enthusiasm of local businesses, were key to the development of the project.
Combining its partners’ expertise, Typoetry is bringing poetry and graphic design to the streets in a bid to foster the well-being of Newham residents, to support an inclusive economy and to spark creativity. Enjoyed in trails, as selective interventions, via events and online, the artworks are awaiting you in East Ham, Forest Gate, Green Street, Manor Park and Stratford.
Led by the Embassy of Switzerland in the UK, in close collaboration with Newham Council, Typoetry showcases the work of 45 artists across 21 venues in the public space in Newham. Discover all the participants.
Typoetry invited residents and visitors to go window shopping for poetry and graphic design in the London Borough of Newham from 20 May to 17 July 2022.
Enjoyed in trails, as selective interventions, via events and online, the artworks could be found in East Ham, Forest Gate, Green Street, Manor Park and Stratford.
Photography by Calum Douglas
Participating venues
EAST HAM
Central Park Café, Bartle Avenue, East Ham, London E6 3AJ
Since 2017 Central Park Café has been operated by Bread Club founder Sophie Downer and her team. Sophie has worked for Theo Randall, The River Cafe, The Anchor and Hope and most recently at Vinarius in Bow. The team is passionate about making fantastic quality products, bringing artisanal baking and cookery to Central Park and the East Ham Community. Monday–Sunday, 9am to 3pm. Learn more: Website | Instagram | Facebook
East Ham Library, 328 Barking Road, London E6 2RT
There are ten libraries across Newham, each offering a range of services and community activities, as well as a fantastic selection of books and other reading material. Learn more.
East Ham Liberal Club, 333 Central Park Road, London E6 6ER
The Old Fire Station, 1 Highstreet South, East Ham, London E6 6EN
The Old Fire Station will soon welcome its new tenant, thanks to Populo Living, Newham's housing company. Learn more: Populo Living Website.
FOREST GATE
Forest Gate Library, Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, London E7 0QH
There are ten libraries across Newham, each offering a range of services and community activities, as well as a fantastic selection of books and other reading material. Monday–Saturday, 9am to 8pm. Learn more.
Number 8 Forest Gate Emporium, 8 Serbert Road, London E7 0NQ
Looking for a gift? You’ll find antiques and vintage objects, crafts, knitting, silversmith on site, handmade cards and all sorts of other treasures at Number 8 Forest Gate Emporium. Monday–Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Learn more: Facebook | Instagram
Giovanna's Deli & Wine, 58 Woodgrange Road, London E70QH
Giovanna’s Deli & Wine is an independent Italian deli, wine shop and bar focusing on selling quality Mediterranean produce to the Forest Gate Community. You will find products ranging from traditional breads, meats, cheeses and preserves to wine and biscuits. Giovanna’s also offers a selection of artisan vegetarian and vegan products, such as sundried tomatoes and vegan cheese. Learn more.
Querky Cafe, 180 Forest Lane, Forest Gate, London E7 9BB
Coffee, brunch, desserts. Choose from a selection of light bites, brunch classics and favourite desserts from waffles to pancakes or great tasting smoothies and shakes. Monday–Friday, 8am to 4pm. Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Learn more: Website | Instagram | Facebook
GREEN STREET
Green Street Library, 337-341 Green Street, London E13 9AR
There are ten libraries across Newham, each offering a range of services and community activities as well as a fantastic selection of books and other reading material. Monday–Saturday, 10am to 8pm. Learn more.
Hamara Ghar, 412-422 Green Street, London E13 9JN
Hamara Ghar is a sheltered residential unit. Please be considerate around the building.
Supergrows Cosmetics, 24-25 Queens Market, Upton Park, London E13 9BA
Established in the heart of East London for over 25 years, Supergrows Cosmetics is one of the UK’s leading retailers of Afro-Caribbean cosmetics, hair extensions, wigs and beauty products. Monday–Friday, 9am to 8pm. Sunday: 9am to 7pm. Learn more: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Queens Fish and Chips, 406 Green Street, London E13 9JJ
Monday–Saturday: 11am to 9pm. Sunday: 11am to 8pm
Supergrows Food, 62-64 Queens Market, Green Street, London E13 9BA
Stop by to do some grocery shopping. In the same covered market you’ll find Supergrows Cosmetics, hosting a poem by Saru. Monday–Saturday, 9am to 7pm. Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
Nationwide Building Society, 329 Green Street, Upton Park, London E13 9AB
Nationwide Building Society offers a wide range of services such as financial advice, mortgages, loans, money exchange and foreign currency. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am to 4.30pm. Wednesday, 10am to 4.30pm. Learn more about the Upton Park branch.
MANOR PARK
Manor Park Library, 685-691 Romford Road, London E12 5AD
There are ten libraries across Newham, each offering a range of services and community activities as well as a fantastic selection of books and other reading material. Monday–Saturday, 10am to 8pm. Learn more.
STRATFORD
O12 Bar and Grill, 108-110 The Grove, Stratford, London E15 1NS
Grilled meats, curries, Nepalese specials, continental food, cocktails and much more... O12Bar and Grill offers you a unique dining experience in a warm atmosphere. Restaurant: Sunday–Thursday, noon to 10pm. Friday–Saturday, noon to 11pm. Bar: Sunday–Thursday, 11am to midnight. Friday–Saturday, 11am to 1am. Learn more.
Stratford Youth Zone, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX
Brand new creative Youth Zone to Stratford, for all young people of Newham. Learn more.
Moxy London Stratford, 86 Great Eastern Road, London E15 1GR
With its 294 rooms, Moxy London Stratford is a stylish, affordable, tech-savvy boutique hotel. From the perfect cappuccino at breakfast to an all-day dining menu featuring nibbles and bar snacks with late night cocktails to start (or end) your nights, Moxy Bar has got you covered. Learn more.
Our Newham Work, 112-118 The Grove, Stratford, London E15 1NS
Our Newham Work has been designed to help Newham residents into work. Our Newham Work offers a range of advice and guidance including various support services to help Newham residents secure employment. Learn more.
Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, London E15 1EL
There are ten libraries across Newham, each offering a range of services and community activities as well as a fantastic selection of books and other reading material. Monday–Saturday, 9am to 8pm. Sunday, noon to 4pm. Learn more.
Stratford Centre, 54a Broadway, Stratford, London E15 1NG
Experience over 60 stores with independent and popular retailers. Fashion, Food and Drink, Health and Beauty, Sports and Leisure and much more. Monday–Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Learn more: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
