NewsGraphic Design

New North Press typographically explores 'untruth' with new letterpress publication

Forme is a new letterpress publication, typographically exploring science’s explanations of the world around us by committing ink to paper. Created by Richard Ardagh at New North Press, an artisan letterpress print and design studio in East London. He asked the question, "At what age do we stop being inquisitive? As adults, we often forget to question what’s right under our noses."

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Forme publication displayed against a backdrop of metal letterpress type, showing yellow "LIED", red "UNTRUTH" and black text reading "In-est-o. Deepest

"Untruth" is the subject of the first issue which looks at how we navigate a world riddled with misinformation and fake news. A commissioned feature from cognitive neuroscientist Neil Garrett reveals how our brains react to messages we suspect to be false and what motivates us to investigate them further, even when we know we’re being lied to. This is accompanied by examples of sensational newspaper headlines (Freddie Starr Ate my Hamster), absurd clickbait (No Garys Left in Britain by 2050), tenuous urban myths (You’re Never More Than Six Feet Away From a Rat) and ambiguous fortune cookie messages (Be Prepared to Accept an Exciting Opportunity) with accompanying captions that expose their inaccuracies.

The pamphlet, which can also be displayed as a poster when unfolded, has been printed from hand-set and hot-metal type. Printed letterpress, 'Forme' refers to the locked-up arrangement of type inside a chase for printing. More at new-north-press.co.uk.

Unfolded letterpress publication Forme displaying typographic spreads with yellow and red text exploring urban myths and false claims including "Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster" and "You're Never More Than Six Feet Away From a Rat
Close-up of metal letterpress type spelling out "FORME" and "UNTRUTH" from New North Press's publication exploring misinformation
Forme letterpress publication laid flat showing typeset pages with columns of text, newspaper headlines, and metal type arranged in a grid layout with binding holes along the spine
Close-up of hand-set metal letterpress type locked into a forme, with window apertures visible in the background
Close-up of hand-set and hot-metal type arranged in a letterpress forme, showing reversed text and spacing elements used for printing Forme publication
Close-up of letterpress type blocks showing false claims and urban myths printed in red and pink text within a printing chase
Bright yellow letterpress type spelling "BEING LIED TO" mounted on a wooden backing with metal detailing
Forme 01 letterpress publication cover by New North Press featuring yellow "BE LIED" text and black and red typography exploring misinformation and untruth
Forme issue one publication open to display text pages and the cover featuring "Deception" in red typography on white paper
Forme 01: Untruth letterpress publication with bold red and yellow typography exploring misinformation, featuring sensational headlines and articles about cognitive neuroscience and false beliefs
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