A-Z

Forget British Vogue, Elle and Tatler, the London A-Z is truly the only style Bible that Londoner and their trendy visitors literally cannot live without. It comes in big, small and teeny and it's cover is graphic typography at its best, being recognizable, cherished and a sort of super model among type faces if you like. Its little wonder in this case that the story behind the A - Z is as sensational as the book itself. In 1936 a women called Phyllis Pearsall walked every street in London to complete it. And why? She was frustrated getting lost on her way to parties. As simple but essential as that. So it therefore is fitting and timely that with the little book of streets playing still such a significant role in the location of parties (amongst other things). That bookbinder Rachel Hazell would celebrate Pearsall as part of the London Design Festival. Hazell swamped under grids , maps and place names making badges, letters and old maps. A-Z Heaven.

By Katriona Flynn