Creating space for people to connect and feel heard
Weaving Trust is a new letterpress installation by Michelle Dwyer of Nice & Graphic studio, commissioned by Amott Road Baptist Church for the Dulwich Festival, writes Michael Holland.
Michelle explains that ‘The work explores trust, belonging, and connection, bringing together voices from the local community…The project began with a community event at Amott Road as part of their Weaving Trust initiative. I gathered responses from one-to-one conversations and developed them into the installation.’
How did you decide on the finished pieces?
‘Guided by simple but meaningful questions about community, relationships, and what people would like to change in their neighbourhood, I selected honest, resonant statements that could stand alone while working together as a collective voice…These conversations form the foundation of the artwork. Selected responses have been transformed into a series of hand-printed letterpress posters, capturing moments of honesty, hope, and shared experience. Arranged in a woven formation, each piece carries a distinct voice; together they create a collective picture of the community, one shaped by difference, yet connected through shared values and lived experience.’
Are you trying something new for this show?
‘Yes, I’ve introduced a woven layout for the installation, using the arrangement of the posters to visually reflect the project’s themes of connection and shared voices. The woven layout reflects how individual voices come together, highlighting connection, trust, and shared experience.’
Anything you’d like to add?
‘At its heart, this project is about creating space for people to connect and feel heard, using print as a medium to carry those voices further.’
Michelle Dwyer is a Peckham-based letterpress artist and founder of Nice & Graphic studio. Known for bold gradient colours and strong typography, she has exhibited in London and Madrid. She leads community-focused projects, running workshops and open days that make letterpress accessible to a wider audience. Dedicated to preserving traditional printing techniques, Michelle uses the craft to connect people and amplify unheard voices. She is also a mentee of renowned typographic artist Alan Kitching.
Exhibition Dates: May 9th–10th & 16th–17th, 2026
Opening Times: 11:00 am — 6:00 pm
Location: 47 Amott Rd, SE15 4HU, London, U.K.
Entry: FREE! No booking required
Dulwich Festival: Artists’ Open House
