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Will Carter - Man of Letters


  • Magdalene College, Cambridge The Robert Cripps Gallery, Magdalene College, Magdalene Street Cambridge CB3 0AG United Kingdom (map)

Following its successful presentation at Snape Maltings in Spring 2022, this important retrospective celebrates the diverse lettering skills and career of Will Carter OBE (1912-2001), who was closely associated with Cambridge. Curated by Eric Marland and John Gray, with additional support from Sebastian Carter (Will’s son), this exhibition clearly demonstrates his position as the comprehensive, consummate lettering artist. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era. 

Will’s fascination with the letter form is evidenced in his skill as a calligrapher, compositor-printer, lettering artist, typeface designer, and letter carver. 

Alongside publications produced by the Rampant Lions Press, many of which are now collectors’ items, are examples of Will Carter’s skill as a typographer and font designer; hand-cut letters rendered in stone and wood and the well-worn tools he used to create signs, plaques and more personal artefacts.

Gallery opening times Monday to Thursday: 10.00 -12.00 noon and 14.00-16.00. Closed Fridays, but visitors can book by appointment with Magdalene College.