Chances are you’ve seen posters or other printed materials created by Hatch Show Print if you’re even somewhat familiar with Country music. This historic Nashville print shop has been producing vibrant, eye-catching posters for over 140 years, and their work has become an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.
Founded in 1879 by brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch, Hatch Show Print initially focused on printing advertising posters for circuses, vaudeville shows, and other traveling acts. Over time, they began to specialize in posters for country music performers, a genre that was rapidly gaining popularity in the Southern United States.
One of the shop’s early successes was a series of posters for a traveling show featuring the legendary P.T. Barnum. The posters featured colorful illustrations of exotic animals and circus performers, along with bold, attention-grabbing text. This combination of eye-catching visuals and persuasive language would become a hallmark of Hatch Show Print’s style.
As the popularity of country music grew, so did the demand for posters promoting live performances by top artists. Hatch Show Print was perfectly positioned to meet this need, thanks to their expertise in creating eye-catching designs that could be quickly and cheaply printed in large quantities.
One of the shop’s early clients was a young singer named Hank Williams, who was just starting to make a name for himself in the late 1940s. Hatch Show Print created a series of posters promoting Williams’ shows, featuring bold lettering, vivid colors, and striking illustrations of the singer and his band. These posters helped to establish Williams as a major star, and they continue to be highly sought-after by collectors today.
Over the years, Hatch Show Print has created posters for a who’s-who of country music legends, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Willie Nelson. Many of these posters have become iconic, featuring instantly recognizable imagery that captures the spirit of the performer and the era in which they were active.
One such poster is the “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” design created for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1972 album of the same name. The poster features a striking image of a circle of musicians, with the band’s name and the album title in bold, stylized lettering. The design perfectly captures the spirit of the album, which brought together a diverse group of musicians to celebrate the roots of American music.
Another iconic poster is the one created for the Grand Ole Opry’s 50th anniversary in 1975. The poster features a colorful illustration of the Opry’s famous microphone stand, surrounded by images of some of the biggest stars to have performed on the show. The design is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Opry, which remains a beloved institution to this day.
Hatch Show Print’s posters have not only helped to promote individual performers and events, but they have also played a role in shaping the broader cultural identity of Nashville and the South. The shop’s designs draw on a rich tradition of folk art and visual storytelling, using bold colors, striking illustrations, and persuasive language to capture the essence of Southern culture.
In recent years, Hatch Show Print has expanded its offerings beyond posters, creating a range of other printed materials including postcards, note cards, and even custom wedding invitations. They have also embraced new technologies, incorporating digital printing and design tools into their workflow while staying true to their historic roots.
Today, Hatch Show Print remains one of Nashville’s most beloved cultural institutions, drawing visitors from around the world to admire their vibrant posters and learn about the history of printmaking. The shop’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art and design to capture the spirit of a time and place, and to bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
Hatch Show Print is not just a print shop, it is a cultural institution that has played a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Nashville and the South. For over a century, the shop has produced bold, eye-catching posters that capture the essence of Southern culture, and its designs have become iconic symbols of the region’s rich musical heritage.
Visiting Hatch Show Print is like taking a step back in time, to a bygone era when printmaking was a vital part of everyday life. The shop’s historic letterpress machines and vintage typefaces are a testament to the enduring power of traditional craft, even in the age of digital design and mass production.
But Hatch Show Print is more than just a museum piece – it is a living, breathing part of Nashville’s vibrant cultural scene. The shop continues to produce new designs and collaborate with emerging artists, while also preserving the legacy of its rich history.
Whether you’re a country music fan, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the power of art to capture the spirit of a time and place, Hatch Show Print is a must-visit destination. It is a true gem of Nashville’s cultural landscape, and a testament to the enduring power of creativity, craft, and community.