Understand
Typewriter art exhibition in Colchester honours literary legends
Overview
An exhibition featuring portraits of 50 esteemed authors drawn entirely with typewriter ink is being displayed at Colchester Library until 3 November. Created by 29-year-old artist James Cook, the collection took three years to complete and includes hidden messages and facts about the literary figures interwoven into the text.
Key points
- Artist James Cook creates detailed portraits and artwork using only a typewriter, turning a former architecture hobby into a full-time career.
- His latest exhibition at Colchester Library features 50 literary legends and runs until 3 November.
- Portraits include hidden messages and facts related to the authors, such as Stephen King's daily word count target.
- Cook has gained celebrity attention, receiving a personalised note from typewriter collector Tom Hanks and creating a piece for Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson.
- Future projects include a commission in New York City to depict the Rockefeller Ice Rink using an oversized typewriter and two million letters.