Pad (Dec 2022)
The Importance of Printed Ephemera in New Type Making. Between Historical Research and Reuse of Tangible Heritage
Abstract
The contribution aims to highlight the relationship between typographic ephemera and new movable type making. Ephemera are a fundamental component in the constitution of a more conscious history of graphic design oriented towards the actual impact of design in society. Moreover, type specimens and catalogs represent essential primary sources for the study of the history of typography. In parallel, the phenomenon of the letterpress resurgence is being witnessed worldwide, with the necessity to protect, integrate and replace historical material as a direct consequence. This has led to the need to make new type sets through the combination of traditional and new technologies. Although few academic researchers have already addressed the subject, there is a need for systematization of the autonomous tests carried out by various letterpress-related individuals and entities, some of which are presented as case studies. In this regard, it has been possible to divide contemporary type production into three categories: compensation, remaking and materialization. In order to take place, what has been defined as the remaking of type sets needs to start with the design of the printed letter and thus from the availability of printed ephemera. Consequently, the study of primary sources pertaining to the history of typography becomes basic to make new movable type, while the need for new type sets stimulates the search for reliable and historically accurate primary sources.
