Stuart Whipps If Wishes Were Thrushes, Beggars Would Eat Birds. Matt black vinyl on wall. Installation at Dundee Contemporary Arts. Typesetting by Valerie Norris.
Introductory text displayed at the beginning of an exhibition space primes visitors for content they’re soon to see. Similarly, descriptive text presents objects and artworks, in addition to guiding visitors through displays. Text is vital for fusing the exhibition together.
With extensive experience of cutting vinyl, I ensure accurate production of vinyl text.
My knowledge of cut vinyl text size and weight limitations, as well as alternative production methods, saves galleries time and expense.
From upwards of 4mm in height, I regularly produce and install large volumes of cut vinyl text.
From short term display graphics to permanent architectural refurbishments, I provide a multitude of colours and finishes.
Eve Fowler Patriarchal Poetry 2018. Digitally printed vinyl with matt laminate, cut to shape. Installation at Dundee Contemporary Arts. Photograph by Ruth Clark.
Regularly, I work with artists, designers, curators and technicians to coordinate signs, graphics, and text before exhibitions open.
As well as providing materials samples, I can also advise how to prepare artwork files for large format reproduction. This stage ensures your artwork is created as you envisage, practically and efficiently.
V&A Museum of Design Dundee. Christopher Kane installation. High performance vinyl on textured wall. Project curator: Kirsty Hassard.
Some surfaces and environments pose challenges. Therefore, I often test textured walls and newly painted surfaces for vinyl adhesive strength. Doing so ensures the bond won’t fail.
Cut vinyl lettering is applied using tacky paper. If there is poor paint adhesion on the surface, the paint may peel off. Sample portions of vinyl can be tested on dubious surfaces beforehand. I always advise test applications as some paints and coatings repel vinyl.
Graphics can be applied to uneven surfaces like concrete finishes and carpets. A heat tool is sometimes used to apply these films onto rougher surfaces. As well as primer coatings. These increase the vinyl’s bond to the surface.
I’m also conscious of exhibition graphics’ terms and how graphics will be removed once the show is over. I use materials from distributors I trust and seek their technical expertise to allay any concerns.
V&A Museum of Design Dundee: Scottish Design Relay exhibition. Fluorescent and matt grey vinyl on plasterboard wall and plywood.
Project curator: Dr. Mhairi Maxwell. Design consultants: the design kollektiv Graphic designer: Kirsten Ambrogi.
Matt finish cut vinyl is most common for exhibition graphics, as it diffuses the reflection of light. Matt finish also appears more subtle than high gloss vinyl.
Digitally printed images are also common. Whether cut to shape or butted together as large segments, like wallpaper. There’s a vast range of vinyl available and understanding its properties is crucial for the success of the display.
I will advise which material is suitable for your project. Along with technical specifications for fire ratings, floor graphics slip ratings and exterior durability.
Hand lettering is occasionally sought after for exhibitions too. I know which paints are high opacity and eco-friendly. You can read about hand lettering here as well as learn how to do it.
Cut out letters and shapes are also available in a variety of substrates such as acrylic, alloys, and wood. These options increase the choice of colours and finishes, as well as add dimension to your project.
Philip Colbert: The Death of Marat and the Birth of the Lobster. Digitally printed vinyl wall coverings. Installation at Wardlaw Museum. Curator: Claire Robinson.
Large format graphics will change the appearance of gallery spaces with every new show. Walls, floors and temporary partitions can be altered and integrated for each new display.
Large areas of vinyl are often tiled or butted together with no obvious seams, resulting in an even larger artwork format. Upon removal of the graphics, the surface is ready for replacements or a surface re-paint if necessary.
Johanna Basford Wonderlands. Matt black vinyl on wall. Installation at Dundee Contemporary Arts.
Contact me to discuss your next exhibition.