Back of an Envelope

Edgeland Modern at The Spring

6th March – 29th April 2023
10.00am – 4.00pm
56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1BS


Rough ideas, lists and estimations are often jotted down on the ‘back of an envelope’: there’s usually one to hand and thoughts – often so fugitive – need capturing before they get lost or forgotten. A back-of-the-envelope calculation is a rough depiction of an idea, more than a guess but less than accurate or mathematical proof. The defining characteristic of back-of-the-envelope calculations is the use of simplified assumptions.

‘This exhibition provides us with an opportunity to show how the found page, the torn edge, the postmark, the public and the private surface of the envelope can be creatively used. We have incorporated the use and requisition of this trusted item of stationery: utilising and reimagining the shapes and forms, often reusing and recontextualizing naturally occurring postage paraphernalia.’

The artist/curation team Edgeland Modern, and invited artists, will explore the creative possibilities of using the envelope, re-contextualizing the found page, the torn edge, the postmark, the public and the private surface of this trusty piece of stationery in a broad and stimulating exhibition.

Why not also join our inspiring Back of an Envelope workshops, suitable for adults and children aged 7+ – click here to find out more.

Edgeland Modern is a consortium of artists and writers with an interest in The Edges (places, people and ideas). They run an experimental art project space in Newhaven, Sussex, regularly presenting exhibitions and events.

Pat Thornton is an artist and tutor, teaching for many years on Foundation courses. She is widely exhibited and was recently short-listed for the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize. Instagram Feed. MA Sequential Art.

Rachael Adams is an interdisciplinary artist, designer and publisher, with much experience teaching at Foundation level. Her work has been widely exhibited. MA Sequential Art, PGDip Narrative Illustration/Editorial Design, BA Fine Art (Painting)

Robert Littleford trained at the Royal College of Art and is a renowned artist, illustrator and designer. His work is widely exhibited and has appeared in publishing, advertising and magazine spreads around the world. Instagram Feed. MA Illustration

Gretchen Heffernan is an international poet & writer and runs the literary publishing house: Backlash.

Dr Jac Batey was invited by the Royal Academy to represent the genre of Artist’s Books in one of their summer shows. She has attended conferences internationally to speak about artist’s books, zines and Damp Flat Books. She runs MA Illustration at University of Portsmouth.

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