Broadsides and SRS

The Student Reading Series incorporates broadsides into all SRS readings, and a broadside is distributed for each student who reads at an SRS event.

Most of the broadsides in 2004-2005 were created by Jason Rederstorf, but a few of the designs were created by students in WRT 251 (Document Production and Design).

SRS broadsides from the 2004-2005 academic year have been displayed in the halls of the new Lake Ontario Hall. Links to view selected broadsides from the 2005-2006 academic year in PDF format are available at the top-right of this window. All of the 2005-2006 broadsides were created by Jason Rederstorf.

History of Broadsides

The purpose and aesthetics of broadsides have changed greatly since their origination in the 16th Century. Originally broadsides, or broadsheets as they were also called, were printed lyrics of folk songs. Over time, the term broadside was applied to most one-sided single-sheet document created for the public. For many years, broadsides held a purpose similar to our present-day fliers, advertisements, public service announcements, or posters. They were originally designed by hand until the invention of the printing press, but the popularity of broadsides declined after newspapers became available to the mass public.

In the mid-20th Century, broadsides reemerged with a new purpose: to highlight single pieces of poetry or prose with graphic design and text. Instead of being mass produced, broadsides are now most often produced in small numbered batches to be distributed at an author’s reading or a similar special event.