Feature: Typography
The case of Romek Marber
The Polish-born graphic designer behind Penguin’s ‘Marber grid’ helped to define British postwar graphic design with work of great power and originality. His work can be seen in a touring exhibition, now in Krakow. Interview by John L. Walters. Portrait by Philip Sayer
Face in the crowd
Amid the rush of modern gadgetry, Kuchar Swara’s Sekford watches stand out because they are, paradoxically, timeless
Stamped in the memory
The Gentle Author’s book about East London print and envelope specialists the Baddeley Brothers demonstrates the very crafts it celebrates
London Letters
Philip Sayer photographs lettering on the streets of London in this alphabetical compendium
Beyond Latin
As digital tools liberate type design from arcane limitations, more people become free to communicate using their own alphabets and languages. Gerry Leonidas chairs a panel of designers discussing the global state of ‘non-Latin’ type
James Mosley: A life in objects
Through his ideas, collecting and dogged research, the former St Bride librarian has shown that printing history can be both lively and opinionated. The world of typography owes him a great debt
Four seasons
Micha Weidmann’s art direction for a cookbook by London chef Ollie Dabbous, with photographs by Joakim Blockstrom
Moscow by type
For the underground railway of Russia’s capital, wayfinding experts City ID commissioned A2-Type to make the Metro’s first typeface and pictogram system
Writing the city
Signwriter Pete Hardwicke has left his mark on a significant area of London
Reputations: Fred Smeijers
‘My father was a mechanic. Respect – for tools and for the material with which you work – is one thing I got from him. When the chisel is not sharp enough to do a certain job, even if it is just one cut, do not think you can get away with it. Sharpen the chisel properly and only then use it for what you wanted to do.’