Reviving Type

Reviving Type is a book by Céline Hurka and Nóra Békés, with a foreword by Frank E. Blokland. Two studies, that started as a university course assignment and developed into an independent design-research, are woven together into one volume: one about the Renaissance letters of Garamont and Granjon, the other about the Baroque types of Nicholas Kis. The publication guides the reader from finding original sources in archives, through historical investigation and design process to the finished typeface. The first part of the book provides insight into historical changes in type design through hands-on examples with theoretical background. The second part gives a thorough explanation of the production process of the revival typefaces. Here two different approaches are placed side by side, creating a conversation piece about possible working methods in type design. Design decisions, technical details and difficulties of the process are thoroughly discussed. Rich imagery of original archival material and technical illustrations explain the texts visually. Altogether, the publication becomes a ‘cookbook’ for anyone, who would like to dive into revival type design.

in collaboration with Céline Hurka

two color offset print
made in 2019