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Graphic Chemical & Ink Company is a world leader in the fine art field of printmaking. We manufacture our own time-tested inks for etching, litho and relief printing, as well as sell screen print inks, papers, tools, chemistry, plates and supplies for all of a printmaker's needs

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Location: Villa Park, Illinois, United States

I have worked for Graphic Chemical & Ink Company since 1968 - with a brief hiatus(almost 4 years) to travel the World courtesy of my uncle. Sadly it turns out it was my Uncle Sam, and I wasn't too thrilled about the places that he chose to send me. My wife and I have run Graphic Chemical for many years, and have enjoyed the travel that comes with the position. We get to meet our customers (and the occasional vendor) from all over the World

Sunday, June 07, 2009

IMPACT VI

Wow! I had this really amazing post written about the upcoming IMPACT show in Bristol, England. In all likelihood, it was my best writing to date, but you'll have to take my word for it, because I forgot to save it!

The picture above is Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in some place or the first one somewhere. Obviously I don't know anything about it but I've traveled across it and under it by car and train. It's very impressive.

Welcome to the Clifton Suspension Bridge
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. Its story began in 1754 with the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge.

The first competition in 1829 was judged by Thomas Telford, the leading civil engineer of the day. Telford rejected all the designs and submitted his own but the decision to declare him the winner was unpopular and a second competition was held in 1830. 24 year old Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually declared the winner and appointed project engineer – his first major commission.


The foundation stone was laid in 1831 but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned.
Brunel died prematurely aged 53 yrs in 1859 but the Bridge was completed as his memorial and finally opened in 1864. Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter traffic with 11-12,000 motor vehicles crossing it every day.



 Portrait of Isambard Kingdom Brunel by his brother-in-law John Calcott Horsle. Bristol City Museum &Art Gallery

An Interpretation Centre is situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge. It contains information and images of the plans in the competition, the construction and completion of the bridge, and how it is maintained today.
Books, postcards and souvenirs are on sale. Open 10am - 5pm daily throughout the year.


The IMPACT show itself is once again at the University of the West of England (UWE), were it started 10 years ago. Steve Hoskins and Richard Anderton are again hosting what I believe is Europe's premier printmaking conference. The dates are September 16-19, 2009, and we'll be happy to put you in touch with the organizers if you are interested in attending

posted by Dean Clark | 6:21 PM

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