Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Type Type Type

In between all the other bits and pieces that keep you busy with your life, I have been exploring my connection to type and letterpress.

Towards the end of last year I became the very excited owner of an 1890 Lightning Jobber press.  What a great beginning that was, and I was able to play with the ad-hoc wood type I had collected and some small pieces of lead type I had gathered.

I promised myself to try and build up my world of type and after visiting Caren (Ampersand Duck) in Canberra  I knew I had to purchase some type.  I have spent the past few months investigating where and how to buy type and am now in the midst of orders - waiting for some type to be cast and sent to me. More excitement!

In the interim, I found a few bits and pieces on the internet - very tiny 10pt Gill and a larger 36 pt Gill  Italic Caps. And so it begins.





Working in Melbourne a month or so ago, we had an afternoon off and went for a wander in Fitzroy and came across Used Pty Ltd and what was in the window, but this 1890s type case drawer. It made the perfect birthday gift, and last week was delivered to the studio here on the mountain. I love how it matches the era of the Press - altho the Press was made in New York and the Drawers in Bombay, India.



So clearly, now the only option is to fill those type cases!

I love the two display cases on top as well - a bit like lower case and upper case.


Slowly, gradually I am building up  my knowledge and understanding, and my equipment.

I also recently took receipt of two great Typeface compendiums which will let me flick through and compare different typefaces and their sizes and help me when I next need to order some.



Its a wonderful beginning and I just need some type and some time to focus and see what I can produce.

11 comments:

  1. Another string to your bow Fiona. What a fabulous piece of furniture!

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    1. Its a stunner Jo - as is the shop where it was found! I could start decorating the house allover again in there with its industrial and used look!

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  2. wow, that is certainly a fantastic birthday present, so solid and industrial, but with the display/work drawers at the top

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    1. It a fabulous bit of gear isn't it? Such a workhorse I think and with years of history embedded in it. The top two cases are great I agree!

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  3. did you see that idlewild press are downsizing? --- you could upsize in a BIG way (byo semi trailer and muscled men for the move).....

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    1. I know I know! Such a sadness yet such an opportunity for somebody with a) cash and b) muscle men and c) a semi as you say! It would be marvellous and I'm pleased in one way she's keeping it together and not breaking it up; yet I'd love some of the smaller bits!

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  4. I worked in newspapers during the era of 'hot metal' and a compositor was a skilled trade.A huge lump of metal hung at one side of the machine and gradually decreased in size as they typed away. It's great to see it all revived and read about your passion for it Fiona. It might take some time to fill that cabinet but I sense you're going to give it a good try!

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    1. That would have been so amazing Lesley - like magic happening before your eyes! I expect this will be an affair that lasts until I die; my love of letters and printing brought together; it will be a slow burn...but hopefully it will have some absolute sparks too!

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  5. very cool! looks like you will have hrs of fun!

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.