Letters are everywhere, from newspaper headlines to road signs. From cheerful posters that shout for your attention to formal letters in your mailbox. Bold strokes, curvy lines or sharp edges: the type of letter reinforces the message. Typography often goes unnoticed, yet it is a unique artform combining skill and creativity. That’s already an excellent reason for the Museum of Industry to dedicate an exhibition to the subject.
The power of typography
These days, letters are made digitally. However, right up until the late 20th century printers’ type was physical. Wooden poster letters are the most eye-catching and expressive letters of all. The TypeFaces exhibition recreates the spirit of a printing workshop and shares the exciting history of wooden letters since the 19th century. Unique poster letters and historical printed matter, an interactive atelier and contemporary projects give you the opportunity to discover the strength and versatility of typography.
Typefaces
Eye-catchers in the exhibition are the surprising TypeFaces by Jan Vermandere. As artist in residence, he spent six months in the printing workshop at the Museum of Industry. There, he dived into the wood letter collection in order to create a set of TypeFaces. With his simple, playful compositions, he liberates the letters from their traditional purpose.
Digital revivals
The exhibition also zooms in on the work of six graphic design students from LUCA School of Arts (Ghent). Axelle Hostyn, Jana Hoeckx, Julie Soete, Kato Van Nerom, Lut Van den Heuvel and Sofie Verbert each chose a wooden typeface from the museum collection and used it to create a digital revival. The exhibition gives a glimpse of their process and shows how contemporary designers breathe new life into the historical letters.
The history of wooden letters
In addition to these contemporary projects, the exhibition also highlights the rich history of printing with wooden letters. Jo De Baerdemaeker immerses you in his research ‘Typo Belgiëque’, returning to the origins and evolution of typography in Belgium since the 19th century. Fascinating objects, type specimens and posters show the production process and historical use of wooden letters.
Letter collection and open atelier
The Museum of Industry is gradually making an inventory and digitalising its letter collection. The exhibition gives a glimpse behind the scenes of this huge task. Here, you discover the versatile wooden letter collection and how these letters are used to
Feeling inspired? Then, try letter stamps and collage letters for yourself in the open atelier.
Industriemuseum
Minnemeers 10
9000 Ghent, Belgium