20th Anniversary Winner | Keira Rathbone
London based artist Keira Rathbone has exhibited her designs internationally for the past 15 years, in venues ranging from galleries to concept stores, museums and theatres. Noted for her unique drawing style, the artist uses a manual typewriter as drawing implement. This innovative technique began (as they often do) with a fortuitous accident leading her to create complex images in ink. Her work is often commissioned - gracing book covers, album covers, beer mats...and now shoes!
As winner of our 20th anniversary open call competition, Rathbone's design is the perfect celebration of Tracey Neuls' twenty years as a cutting-edge London brand.
Inspired by city life and its unique characters, Rathbone's winning design features the BT Tower (formerly post office tower) and plays on its status as a communications hub. The design also features the surrounding streets of Fitzrovia, once famed for its writer residents who flocked to the Fitzroy Tavern and surrounding area, making it London's literary centre during the 30's and 40's. The likes of Dylan Thomas and George Orwell haunted its boozy public houses and to this day it oozes old-school literary charm.
Talking of unique characters, punk poet Dr. John Cooper Clarke is another luminary whose aesthetic style has inspired Rathbone to create a typewriter tribute. The cult figure, and dare I say, national treasure (sorry John ;) writes everything on his trusty old typewriter - the machine that has become a characterful icon in its own right.
Mostly producing her work in situ, Rathbone often incorporates live audio visual performances into her work by typing before an audience alongside video projection and sound effects. She is a keen collaborator with artists and designers in the UK and abroad, and we are pleased to add Tracey Neuls to this roster.
"Whether I’m typing live at an event or on the streets, I connect with public of all ages and walks of life in a very natural way. This interaction always excites me, so I wish to explore and convey this aspect more and more in my work. Always seeking projects involving art with social engagement for positive effect."
Limited Edition Geek Typewriter
BIG NEWS: We are delighted to announce that Keira will be doing a live performance at our Marylebone Boutique on Monday 21st February 3-6 pm.
She will be demonstrating how she works by capturing the things surrounding her, shoes, people, street scenes etc…We look forward to seeing you there!
For a taster you can see more of Keira's work here
Monday 21st February, 3-6pm
29 Marylebone Lane
London
W1U 2NQ