TWO new exhibitions, both featuring lettering by artists pushing the boundaries of their fields, have opened at Monnow Valley Arts in Walterstone.

Illuminated Optimism in the Studio shows the work of Tashi Mannox who, as a Buddhist monk, was trained in temple decorating, Tanka painting and calligraphy in the different forms of Tibetan and Sanskrit script. The works on display have been created over the last 10 years, and combine traditional and modern, eastern and western iconography, style and letter forms.

Material Words: New Ideas and Definitions of Letterforms shows work by Richard Kindersley, one of Britain’s most respected lettering artists.

He has been commissioned to make both monumental pieces of lettering for grand monuments such as the National Arboretum and the new Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, as well as individual pieces of lettering for private clients. In recent years he has developed a passion for standing stones which are carved with texts appropriate for their intended locations.

In this exhibition, Richard will demonstrate how lettering can be used in unusual ways and with unusual materials, and there will be a study day exploring how to create letterforms in poured quick-setting concrete on Saturday, June 1.

Booking essential as there are only 10 places available.

Both exhibitions run until Sunday, June 30.

Open Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 5pm and weekends, 2pm to 5pm.

Entrance is by donation at Middle Hunt House, Walterstone. Call 01873 860529 or email info@monnowvalley arts.org for more details