Born to South American parents, British citizen, cosmopolitan at heart, Edward Wright – painter and object-maker, typographer, writer, teacher – was an enigmatic presence in London’s post-War art and design scene.

Robin Kinross has described Wright thus: ‘His subjects: human communication, the mundane, the street. His manner: sparing, self-critical, yet the work had vigorous attack and full conviction. His typical method: assemblage, with what was to hand.’

An exhibition of Wright's design work was held from January until May 2007. It was based on materials held in archives at the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication, University of Reading, and was supplemented by works lent by family and friends of Edward Wright. The exhibition was accompanied by the publication of Edward Wright: readings, writings.

Department of Typography &
Graphic Communication
University of Reading
2 Earley Gate, Whiteknights
Reading RG6 6AU
t: 0118 378 8081
e: typography@reading.ac.uk

This exhibition arose from ‘The optimism of modernity’ project which is funded by Arts & Humanities Research Council.

The exhibition was also supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) of the Centre in Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Applied Undergraduate Research Skills, and by the University of Reading Arts Committee. UROP student Andrew Young was involved with background research, planning of the exhibition, and design of the book.