Art A Sunday of zinery and independent print September 22, 2011 Two exciting new events celebrating all prints independent and self-published come along and they’re, unfortunately, to be held simultaneously this Sunday 25th September.

‘Which do we choose?’ I anticipate you ponder. ‘Both’, I resolve. A morning of zine perusal and purchasing accompanied by an Italian brew at Sheffield’s Cafe Brezza, then, come mid-afternoon, all aboard the TransPennine Express (if you’re feeling tight, it’s been known that ticket checkers don’t like to bother folk ‘asleep’ with their headphones in, or taking their time on the toilet. Just saying.) to Manchester’s Night & Day Cafe, to finish off the day picking up a few choice prints and posters with a cold glass of alcoholic ginger beer in hand.

Sheffield Zine Fair, the first of its kind in the city, is organised by Katie Govier, a graduate in art who recently returned to South Yorkshire from London. Her love for zines grew in the self-publication fairs of the capital and she hopes to ‘create a more prominent zine community in Sheffield, an event where people can socialise, swap, meet others with similar interests and celebrate alternative publications.’

Publications to expect include poetry courtesy of Unquiet Desperation, some really intriguing cut up and collaged zines by Jean McEwan, and Chella Quint’s comical account of monthly cycles, ‘Adventures in Menstruating’. Following on nicely from their talk at Site Gallery’s DIY Summer last month, our good pals Rotherham Zine Library will be there with their collection, including a few back issues of Article. There’ll also be talks and workshops to get involved in, so head down and feel inspired to turn your zine-related dreams into reality.

The Mill Press, purveyors of beautifully laid out journals on themes like space and Switzerland, are bringing together the best of design, art and photography that side of the Pennines for the first Manchester Print Fair.

In attendance you can expect Manchester Modernist Society, a gathering of ‘urban enthusiasts, amateurs and latter day dandies’ who explore the region’s 20th century architecture and design, and who publish The Modernist magazine. There’ll also be Manchester based zine shop Good Grief!, Salford Illustration, and some beautifully put together visual storytelling by Mmopus Books.

Article favourites OWT Creative are putting it about a bit, with stalls at both the Sheffield and the Manchester fairs.

Sheffield Zine Fair runs from 11am to 6pm at Cafe Brezza on Wellington Street

Manchester Print Fair runs from 11am to 5pm at Night & Day Cafe on Oldham Street