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Typo: A Monthly Newspaper and Literary Review, Volume 1

Recent Specimens

page 20

Recent Specimens.

Fertility of invention and prolific production, no less than beauty of design, distinguish the German founders. In artistic types they lead the world. And a singular fact is, that the wonderful advances they have made, and which mark an era in typefounding, are all comprised within the last ten years. The firm best-known in this country—Schelter & Giesecke of Leipzig—issued No. 1 of their Mittheilung in May, 1876, when they showed the first of their magnificent series of modern borders—the Banner, No. 54. Our file of their unequalled trade paper is not perfect; but it shows a succession of designs from the one above-named to the « Holbein » and « Akanthea » combinations, which no foundry in the world has surpassed in an equal time. And the great advantage of these combinations is, that they are all in such perfect harmony of design, that from the earliest to the latest, they can be worked together—each novelty as acquired, increasing the usefulness of those already in stock.

No less remarkable, though less known in New Zealand, are the productions of Julius Klinkhardt, in the same city. We have already noticed the 15th section of his book, which alone contains variety enough to furnish a large office. The 14th has only just reached us, and is equally worthy of admiration. It is noticeable, that excepting German Text faces, the ornamental types are chiefly American, but the borders and ornaments are all original. They are all displayed with a perfection of technical skill and patience unequalled elsewhere; and excite a feeling of wonder as to where a sufficient market can be found for so many beautiful and costly novelties. We have added to stock some of the new designs of both these houses, and will find them of value in illustrating some of our forthcoming articles on Design in Typography.

Among Messrs Miller & Richards' novelties are a condensed variety (No. 2) of their pretty and eccentric « Doric » with lower-case; another striking eccentric letter, the « Mikado, » shaded, with lower-case, from pica upwards; a very peculiar letter called « Union »—roman at top and sanserif at foot, relieved with flourishes; and Ornamented No. 22—a flourished roman. Also, a very beautiful « Lace » border, consisting of two characters only—a running piece and a corner.

From the Mataura Falls Paper Mill Company, Otago (Mill No. 2, N.Z.) we have some excellent samples of brown wrapping and gray hag papers. We understand that the productive capacity of the mill will soon be increased by the erection of new machinery.

Mr W. H. Foden, printer, of Timaru, sends us a very neat memo. heading, in blue and gold.