Hidden within a large collection of rub down and transfer type we acquired last fall was this set of adhesive Helvetica caps and matching Samsonite logos. The stuffy palette says 1984 (as does the fine print on the bottom) but we can only guess at their use. We assume the letters’ original owner, an interior designer by trade, first personalized her luggage (her initials were VR) and then… well we’re not sure. The destination of S & O will have to remain a mystery.
Designer Ross Moody and his 55 Hi’s imprint are one of the reasons we love running our own type foundry. It’s been said that type design is a lonely, difficult and frustrating endeavor and while that can be true, it’s also immensely gratifying when the bi-product of your work is so surprising.
‘Is that our FIG Script?’ we wondered. When set in all caps, a script face doesn’t traditionally connect. So what gives? Capable hands. Ross deftly connected the caps, modified certain letters and added flourishing touches.
‘Not all who wander are lost’ is a derivative of a line from a J.R.R. Tolkien poem titled, ‘All that is gold does not glitter.’ The poem appeared in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the original line read, ‘Not all those who wander are lost.’ The poem and its place in the trilogy is documented on Wikipedia.
Ross has created limited edition, hand screen printed posters and postcards of ‘Not all who wonder are lost’ as well.
The February issue of Print magazine, guest art directed by ProjectProjects, featured our oldest typeface Kettler. Starting on the cover and continuing throughout the issue, Kettler quietly punctuates conversations between a panel of selected guests on the subject of collaboration between disciplines.
Kettler played a role in another magazine designed by ProjectProjects called Work, now out-of-print. It’s been a joy to see Kettler used by such capable hands.
When buying used books, sometimes a glimpse of the previous owner comes with them. Inside our copy of “Lettering Poster Design For Pen And Brush” by Ross F. George, copyright 1941, is a very lightly used lettering practice sheet.
On the opposite side of same sheet are several variations on the wordmark “Wick”. The previous owner’s last name?