History of Serifs

Printed materials are often taken for granted, as they just collect dust on shelves for the most part, in today’s modern and advancing society; however it wasn’t until the mid 15th century that books were being mass-produced, rather than created by monks, drowning in work, for the elite, as books were seen as status symbol for the times.

Mass production of books started with Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press, which allowed for knowledge to be easily accessible. This boom of easily accessible knowledge is only comparable to the creation of the internet today. Gutenberg’s technology was arguably the catalyst for the many subsequent typographic advancements that led to modern typefaces.

Vincent Figgens creates the first Egyptian, or Slab Serif typeface

William Caslon IV creates the first sans-serif typeface.

AkzidenzGrotesk was first published by Theinhardt foundry later merged with Berthold; Royal Grotesk light by royal typecutter Ferdinand Theinhardt was the insperation

Edward Johnston designs the iconic san-serif typeface used by the Londan’s Underground System.

Paul Renner creates Futura arguably the most used typeface and plagurized typeface of all time.

Max Miedinger designs Helvetica, other san-serif typefaces are created: Futura, Arial, and Aviener for example.

Rudolf Hell designed the first digital typeface: Digi Grotesk

Nicolas Jenson designed roman type creating a more readable typeface merging italian humanist lettering blackletter.

Italic typefaces were created by Aldus Manutius and Fancesco Griffo allowing printers to fit more characters on a page.

Old Style type was created by William Caslon developed to have more contrast between strokes.

Transitional typefaces are created by John Baskerville with greater contrast than “Old Style” type.

Roman (Modern) typefaces are created: Didot and Bodoni.