Take A Vibrant Journey Through Ink & History At This Legendary Letterpress Shop In Nashville

Tennessee is a state that's rich in history and character. From its charming historic storybook towns like Granville to quirky architecture like the replica Parthenon in Nashville, which transports you to Athens' most iconic tourist attraction, the Volunteer State is filled with legends, war sites, museums, and historical destinations. One of its most significant legacies lies in music. Home to countless globally acclaimed legends and the birthplace of genres ranging from the blues to bluegrass, Tennessee's influence on modern day pop culture remains undeniable. Among its cultural landmarks is the Hatch Show Print shop, a historic institution — fittingly located in the heart of Music City itself — that continues to tell the story of Nashville's music scene.

When considering the impact of Southern culture and music, it is easy to overlook the role of printmaking in promoting it. Before the development of today's advanced technology and social media, spreading the word about artists and musical acts required other art forms, like posters. Printmaking was a key method of advertising, alongside radio and word of mouth. Hatch Show Print became a standout in this space, renowned for its unique and instantly recognizable design style and aesthetic. Today, it remains one of the oldest letterpress print shops in the United States, preserving a craft that dates to the 15th century.

Celebrated for its artistic sensibility, colors, and vibrant creativity, Hatch Show Print owes part of its legacy to its prime location in Nashville, one of the world's top music destinations. The shop was opened in the 1870s by brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch. Its initial claim to fame was creating flyers for Harriet Beecher Stowe's brother. From there, the family-run business gained traction, with its posters soon adorning walls across the South. Expertly designed by skilled craftspeople and printed in small batches, the shop's work remained relevant even as modern printing technologies emerged.

The print shop's clear, bold, and colorful designs made its posters incredibly eye-catching, and effective for decorating walls and spaces used to promote musical acts and cultural events. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Hatch Show Print became especially sought after in the country music scene. Its proximity at the time to Ryman Auditorium, then-home of the Grand Ole Opry, solidified its presence in Nashville's musical heritage. The shop created iconic posters for many of the era's top acts, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bill Monroe, and Minnie Pearl. Hatch Show Print's legacy endures today, with modern clients such as Kacey Musgraves, Guns N' Roses, and even the NFL commissioning their timeless designs.

Hatch Show Print has stood the test of time by adapting to shifting trends and customer needs, making what they do timeless. While its roots are in country music, the shop expanded to appeal across industries, producing everything from small business flyers to food packaging, both across America and other parts of the world. Its resilience and ability to diversify has kept it at the forefront of design.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest and appreciation for traditional crafts like letterpress printing. Many value the handmade, small-batch nature of the shop's work, preferring its imperfections and artisanal quality over mass-produced alternatives. This resurgence has strengthened Hatch Show Print's place in the design world, where its creations remain highly desirable.

Hatch Show Print is located on the fifth floor of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Rep. John Lewis Way in downtown Nashville, offering a unique glimpse into the enduring artistry that has shaped Nashville's cultural legacy. The gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., whereas the print shop is open from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The shop offers its over 100,000 annual visitors the chance to watch the printmaking process in action, from start to finish. Guided tours are available daily, but be sure to book online in advance. The shop also hosts demonstrations and workshops, where guests can create their own letterpress posters.