Impact of Industrail Revolution on Typography

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Linotype Machine

The development of moveable type and printing press in the 15th century changed the letterpress game in the modern world. However, the industrial revolution breathed a whole new lift into the world of typography.

The industrial Revolution impacted the way in which typography was created, designed and produced through the invention and manipulation of mechanized type-setting machines. Two areas which were affected in a major way was print communication (Commercialised typography used  and  wasThe way in which it was affected was the

 

Before the Industrial Revolution ( 476 AD – 1500 )

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The Book of Kells, c.AD 800

The medieval times saw the rise of the handwritten illuminated manuscripts. Before the industrial revolution, typefaces were not practical, catering to the needs and wants of the writer. Being dramatic and extravagant in style. Letters were placed one by one, placed accordingly in a tray. This took a long time for the printers to assemble each metal type to be printed.

Letter-press were first carved and __ Process of type-setting cast in metal.

 

 

During the Industrial Revolution ( 18th Century )

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In 1886, Ottmar Merganthaler created a Linotype machine in which allowed a whole line to be casted. The Linotype Machine improved the rate at which the type could be set. It was a mechanized print machine that functioned as a typewriter which could print with lesser manpower needed compared to the moveable type. This gave way to mass printing and contributed to mass production which also affected how typefaces were produced and designed

 

 Something else introduced during this time was the style of bold face. Serifs were morphed, deformed and manipulated to create a bolder appearance.

 Aesthetically, the design for typefaces changed dramatically to create more practical and decorative typefaces as the speed of printing increased. The increased speed of printing meant that typography shifted to cater to the needs of the masses, taking on a more commercialised and bold aesthetic.

 

 

 

After the Industrial Revolution (19th Century – Present)

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The invention of the mechanized letter press machines allowed for further refinement which allowed for prints of 10,000 sheets per hour. This gave rise toLithography which merged art with way typefaces were designed which gave rise to the International Typography Style (I.T.S) also known as graphic design.

 Personal

It was really interesting to learn the origins of different typefaces and how it evolved along with technology especially the decorative typefaces. I always thought that decorative typefaces were really tacky but now contextualising it made me have a little more respect for it.

Sources

S. J. (2015). The Evolution of Typography: A Brief History – Print Magazine. Retrieved August 29, 2016, from http://www.printmag.com/typography/evolution-typography-history/