Painting Women Writers by Susanne du Toit

In 2023, Shaz Madani designed the book for artist Susanne du Toit, documenting her portrait series Painting Women Writers. She used the typefaces Jungka from Jung-Lee Type Foundry for the whole layout, and Selva by Fanny Hamelin for the end section.

From Shaz’s description:

In 2019 Susanne du Toit was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in London to paint a portrait of writer Jeanette Winterson for their collection. Inspired by her encounter with Jeanette, she undertook a new body of work creating this series.

The unusual proportions of Susanne’s canvas sets the elongated format of the book and the dusty blue cover material is a subtle nod towards classic writing pads. The book includes preliminary sketches and personal notes from Susanne on her process. Inside the pages set contrast by changing from uncoated to satin, and a coloured end section contains texts from the writers on their experience of sitting for Susanne.

An exhibition of the portraits was held at the London Library, and will be touring to Farley Farm in East Sussex later this year.

The 120-page paperback was edited by Harriet Olsen and published by Eiderdown Books. The cover image depicts writer Dolly Alderton.