Typography - The Family Tree
Personal Project
2024
File this one under 'I can't believe it doesn't already exist!' But after much searching on Google, I did not find a family tree of typography. So I made one myself
This elegantly-designed and meticulously-researched family tree makes for a beautiful and informative poster that will be a joy to graphic designers and indeed anyone with a curiosity about the art of typography.
Tracing the lineage of typographical design from the 12th century, the poster features 77 typefaces, selected for their historical significance, influence and cultural impact. Related typefaces are grouped according to their Vox aTypI classification and arranged chronologically. Threads of influence and development are easily discerned. Each typeface is marked with its date of issue, principal designer and the foundry that first released it.
Like any family, this one springs forth from great forbears - the blackletter typefaces from the first printing presses. We see grand old personalities such as Garamond and Baskerville, successful offspring like Helvetica and Futura, unique offshoots such as the Didones, the technologically-savvy wing of the family in the monospaced cohort, to the young upstarts who are stepping out from the shadow of their forbears, such as Gotham and Calibri. And then there’s the glamorous generation who like to be seen out in society, such as Zapfino and Broadway. And like any family, there are a few cousins who if not exactly the black sheep, certainly have behaved inappropriately on occasion - you know whom I mean.
This print is available to buy on Etsy.