The Lettering Arts Trust will present its latest exhibition entitled 'The Nereids’ from 22 February to 23 April at West Downs Gallery, Winchester. The exhibition depicts 27 benign, mythical nymphs of Ancient Greece who represented the sea’s rich abundance and protected sailors and fishermen. Each Nereid is a personification of a particular attribute of the sea.  They have been interpreted by some of the foremost contemporary lettering artists working in the UK. These intriguing artworks rendered in different media illustrate the specialist skill of calligraphy, etching, letterpress and hand letter carving.

Among the lettering artists contributing work to this show are Alan Kitching, Nina Bilbey, Annet Stirling, Cherrell Avery, Charlotte Howarth, Peter Furlonger and Sue Hufton – to name but a few.  This exhibition also provides an opportunity for some up-and-coming lettering artists to show their skills. This next generation is influenced by its forebears but is bringing a new, contemporary sensibility to lettering art. 

The Nereids at the West Downs Gallery include ‘Doris’ who represents the sea’s bounty; ‘Doto’ who gave safe passage to sailors; ‘Glauke’ of the ‘blue-grey’ waters; ‘Menippe’ denoting horses manes as breaking waves. Each unique artwork is for sale, with prices ranging from £250 to £2,500. 

On 6 March at 6pm, there will be a special lecture called: Thetis and her sisters: Nereids in Greek myth and thought, by Dr Polly Stoker, who leads the BA (Hons) programme in Classical Studies at the University of Winchester. The talk will examine how the Nereids played an important role in Greek myth and thought and were a popular subject for ancient authors and artists. It is one of the events hosted by the University of Winchester to mark International Women's Day 2024.  Tickets are available to book via Eventbrite at https://Nereids.eventbrite.co.uk

Karoline Newman, exhibition curator and a Trustee of The Lettering Arts Trust said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the University of Winchester to bring the intricate work of contemporary lettering artists to new audiences. The Nereids is a touring show that engages on many levels – artistic, classical, and craft appreciation. It demonstrates that the precious craft of hand lettering and hand carving is as relevant today as it always has been – and cannot be replaced or replicated by machines.  It is really important that we conserve and sustain this important heritage craft for the future.”

Proceeds from all sales contribute to the work of the Lettering Arts Trust which supports the training of the next generation of lettering artists.

The exhibition is set to travel across the UK and any organisations or galleries interested in hosting the exhibition should contact Caroline via email: director@letteringartstrust.org.uk

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) said it supports the Government's pledge to refresh its Help to Grow campaign following a recent announcement. In this announcement, the Government said it will reassert its commitment to make the UK the best place to start and grow a small business.

It is understood that the Help to Grow campaign will see the introduction of a Small Business Council that will build on the Department of Business and Trade’s (DBT) existing support for SMEs and provide a bespoke forum for small businesses to be represented within Government. There will also be more resources available and a 12-week intensive management course that is 90% subsidised by the Government and aims to improve SME leadership and management skills.

The NFB supports this announcement and, after advocating for SMEs for several years, appreciates the recognition of the importance of SMEs to the economy.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB, said: “This announcement is good news; however, it will be vital for the council to understand the needs of specific industries, as well as promoting existing regulations that already support them. SMEs within the construction industry train 7 in 10 apprentices and makes up 90% of training capacity, so their health is front and centre to the construction industry, delivering 9% of the UK’s GDP and employing 2.7 million people.”

Rico Wojtulewicz, NFB’s Head of Policy and Market Insight, added: “The Small Business Council must identify and tackle the specific policy barriers to support and enable small businesses. In planning, as one of many examples we can offer, design codes will bring much needed certainty, but disjointed decarbonisation and environment policy will remove those gains and add new costs and complexities, which will disproportionately harm SMEs the most.”

London Stone, supplier of hard landscaping materials has opened a new showroom in Manchester – its ninth in the UK. Visitors will be able to view natural stone, porcelain, and clay pavers, composite decking, cladding, metal pergolas and garden planters. 

The company was set up in 2005 by brothers Gavin, Steve and Duncan Walley and last year, was certified carbon neutral. 

Of the latest showroom, Steve Walley said: “London Stone has deep roots in the North West, so opening a brand-new showroom in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, is a proud moment for me personally and a massive step forward for London Stone and the landscaping industry. The North West region is a hotbed of landscaping excellence and home to some of the industry’s most talented landscapers and designers. We opened a northern distribution hub here two years ago and following that now with a state-of-the-art showrooms demonstrates how much we value the industry and the talent in this area.”

Sealant company LTP has extended its global presence launching its ECOPROTEC range in the United Arab Emirates. 

ECOPROTEC products are made in the UK and were developed for the contract and landscape sectors and includes sustainable surface care products for all types of natural and engineered stone both internal and external. Its range includes sealing and protection, cleaning and restoration, and aftercare treatments designed for all types of polished and unpolished natural and artificial stone, porcelain, ceramic, concrete, masonry and terrazzo.  

Established in 1982, Al Shabib Trading (AST) will now be the distribution partner for ECOPROTEC in the UAE and currently serves customers from East Africa to the East Gulf.