Michelle Dwyer, founder and designer of Nice & Graphic, is hosting an exhibition putting local community voices front and centre
“I hope the exhibition not only showcases the stories of the incredible community of Peckham, but also inspires others to connect and share their own experiences,” says Michelle Dwyer, founder and designer of Nice & Graphic.
Establishing her studio equipped with a traditional press and vintage woodblock type in 2020, Nice & Graphic began as a stationary business and has since worked to expand its portfolio.
Michelle tells us about how she is bringing Peckham’s stories to life through brightly coloured prints.
What art do you create?
Michelle Dwyer: Nice & Graphic specialises in bold, bright letterpress designs that combine short sayings and positive messaging. Letterpress is a form of printmaking that combines vintage printing techniques with modern minimalist design, resulting in a distinctive texture that allows you to feel where the design has been pressed into the paper.
I use large woodblock typefaces and vibrant fluorescent colours to create pieces that highlight the interplay of creativity and optimism. Always looking on the bright side, I focus on inspiring sayings that bring positivity to daily life.
What do you like about printing with letterpress?
Letterpress printing by hand is such a rewarding process. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the tactile nature of arranging type, inking it and pulling each print. It requires patience and precision, but the end result is always worth it.
The slight variations in each print add character and uniqueness, which is something you can’t achieve with digital printing. It’s a slower, more mindful way of creating that allows me to connect with the work.
Why did you launch the project Peckham Perspective?
The inspiration for Peckham Perspective came from my love for the local community and my desire to celebrate its diversity and vibrancy. Over the past few years, I’ve seen how Peckham has changed and grown, and I wanted to capture the voices and stories of residents.
By collecting responses from the community and transforming them into letterpress posters, I can create a visual representation of what Peckham means to its people. It’s a way to honour the community and showcase the power of collective storytelling. This project is a love letter to the neighbourhood that has been so welcoming and has been home for almost 13 years.
What have you discovered about the area from people’s stories?
From the stories I’ve collected, it’s evident that Peckham is a place of warmth, inclusivity and humour.
One person remarked, “Peckham celebrates everyone from every background,” capturing its inclusive spirit.
Another highlighted: “Peckham has a vibrant culture all under one community.”
And then there’s the amusing anecdote about nearly buying a kitten from a fishmonger!
These snippets reflect the strong sense of community and belonging that defines Peckham. It’s amazing to witness the deep connections people have to this neighbourhood.
What can people expect from the upcoming exhibition?
The upcoming exhibition promises a captivating visual journey. The entire gallery will be covered with nearly 400 letterpress posters showcasing vibrant gradients and bold quotes. These posters will beautifully intertwine diverse voices, all celebrating our Peckham neighbourhood.
Posters will be for sale and 50% of the profits will be donated to local charity Pecan, who have been fighting poverty in Southwark for 35 years.
What do you love about living and working in Peckham?
It is a constant source of inspiration. I love the energy, creativity and strong sense of community here. There’s always something happening, from local markets to new art exhibitions and community events. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a deep pride in the neighbourhood.
I ended up here by accident almost 13 years ago, but it had everything I needed, so I stayed. You don’t need to go far for anything. It feels like a village within the city, and it’s a place where I truly feel at home.
Do you have any Peckham top tips?
Peckham Rye Park is a must-visit. I’m grateful to have so much green space in the city. Plus, the parkrun on Saturday mornings is fantastic. Seeing hundreds of people come together gives me such a strong sense of community.
