British Railways

To mark 200 years since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway — the world’s first passenger railway to use steam locomotives — renowned typographer and printmaker Alan Kitching returns to his hometown with a striking new exhibition: 'British Railways'

Alan Kitching is one of the UK’s most celebrated letterpress artists. Known for his dynamic use of wood type and bold, expressive layouts, Kitching’s work brings history to life through print. This new body of work pays tribute to the engineering legacy of the North East, drawing inspiration from the spirit of steam travel and the graphic language of railway signage.

Born in Darlington in 1940, Kitching began his career as a teenage apprentice at a local print shop, the beginning of a lifelong passion for typography and design. His journey has taken him from the North East to international acclaim, but this exhibition brings him full circle, back to the place where it all began.

Kitching went on to co-found the Experimental Printing Workshop in Watford with Anthony Froshaug and later became a partner at Omnific Studios, where he established his reputation in letterpress. His honours include being named a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) and Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI). He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Art and Visiting Professor at University of the Arts London.

Join us for the Private View on Thursday 31 July, 5:00–7:30pm
RSVP: [email protected] by 25 July 2025