The Ampersand Project
Molly McLeod's Division III
Molly McLeod's Division III
The Ampersand Project is my Division III (i.e. thesis project) atHampshire College in Amherst, MA. I wrote and designed three distinctbut complementary books about typography, centering around ampersand(the & symbol). I also created an educational, interactive art installation all over campus.
I believe the ampersand is a fun, accessible entry point forlearning about typography. The ampersand has a rich history, and cantake many different forms depending on the time period and font styleit’s from.
For more detailed information about the project and updates please visit: http://theampersandproject.com
About the Books
The Blue Ampersand Book (26 pages) consists of photo-illustrations ofplasma-cut metal ampersands along side historical and theoreticalinformation about the font each ampersand comes from.
The YellowAmpersand Book (26 pages) uses the ampersand as a metaphor forconnection, collaboration, and compromise as an entry point to shortessays about design, education, and social change.
The RedAmpersand Book (14 pages) features a photo collection of sculpturalampersands that engage the senses and the imagination, ranging from anampersand lamp, to ampersand wind chimes, a cookie cutter, a pillow,and more.
The books are available for sale as a set, for only $12 (plus shipping) here:
http://theampersandproject.com/store/
About the Installation
DuringMay 2010, the Hampshire College community was challenged to learn abouttypography by finding the 10 metal ampersands installed all overcampus. Next to each ampersand were flash cards with the history andproper usage of each font. The Ampersand Project was also featured inthe Design, Art, and Technology gallery show.
I believe the ampersand is a fun, accessible entry point forlearning about typography. The ampersand has a rich history, and cantake many different forms depending on the time period and font styleit’s from.
For more detailed information about the project and updates please visit: http://theampersandproject.com
About the Books
The Blue Ampersand Book (26 pages) consists of photo-illustrations ofplasma-cut metal ampersands along side historical and theoreticalinformation about the font each ampersand comes from.
The YellowAmpersand Book (26 pages) uses the ampersand as a metaphor forconnection, collaboration, and compromise as an entry point to shortessays about design, education, and social change.
The RedAmpersand Book (14 pages) features a photo collection of sculpturalampersands that engage the senses and the imagination, ranging from anampersand lamp, to ampersand wind chimes, a cookie cutter, a pillow,and more.
The books are available for sale as a set, for only $12 (plus shipping) here:
http://theampersandproject.com/store/
About the Installation
DuringMay 2010, the Hampshire College community was challenged to learn abouttypography by finding the 10 metal ampersands installed all overcampus. Next to each ampersand were flash cards with the history andproper usage of each font. The Ampersand Project was also featured inthe Design, Art, and Technology gallery show.
Sample page from the Blue & Book.
Sample page from the Blue & Book.
Sample page from the Red & Book.
Sample page from the Yellow & Book.
Every envelope cover is hand stamped.
Every cover is hand painted and unique.
Every envelope magnetizes shut and is hand numbered.
