Roger That!

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)

Phonetic Spelling Alphabet as interpreted by

Eat Sleep Work/Play, Inventory Studio & Julia

(24 March —16 April)

This exhibition showcases a new graphic interpretation of the Phonetic Spelling Alphabet by design studio’s Eat Sleep Work/Play, Inventory Studio and Julia. Developed in 1932 as a system with which to ensure clarity of communication in aviation under poor receiving conditions, the Phonetic Spelling Alphabet is used the world over to bridge the gap between languages. Playing on the code words assigned to the letters of the alphabet such as Zulu, Foxtrot and Oscar, each print in the exhibition exposes the often absurd and sometimes poetic connections between letter and code. From Romeo and Juliet, to Papa and Whisky, these works exemplify the power of graphic design to reinvent and reveal new meaning.

Exhibited to great acclaim at the Rocket Gallery, Tokyo, as part of the UK?OK!! and now updated for the show at the Kemistry Gallery in London, this project brings together a suitably pan-global team of 3 boutique design studios based in London comprising of seven designers from France, England, Switzerland, Italy and Brazil. Each was responsible for four letters. United by their expertise in typography, and bringing their international heritage in lettering design and research to bear, Inventory Studio, ESW/P and Julia present a witty and imaginative visualization of the Phonetic Spelling Alphabet.

Consisting of 26 A2 posters, four from each designer, the show is a complete typographic journey through the alphabet. The posters will be printed in two special Pantone colours on high quality art paper and hand numbered in a small edition. Also on display will also be a specially commissioned installation featuring a short story which makes use of every single letter from this alphabet. Sets and individual prints will be available to purchase.

Supported by: GF Smith

Printing Sponsored by: Augustus Martin

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