David Shields
@19cwt.bsky.social
Designer & typographer & archivist & professor & (accidentally?) historian. I’m author & designer of the monograph _The Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection: A History and Catalog_ published by UT Press.
Image focused
@19cwt-obscura.bsky.social
Image focused
@19cwt-obscura.bsky.social
Some noodling on the RISO w/ variants of Page & Co’s Gothic Paneled — 1st shown in 1874’s _Specimen of Chromatic Wood Type…_ & patented on 3 March 1874 as US Design Patent 7,230.
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/chromatic-gothic-paneled/
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #letterforms #typography
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/chromatic-gothic-paneled/
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #letterforms #typography
July 23, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Some noodling on the RISO w/ variants of Page & Co’s Gothic Paneled — 1st shown in 1874’s _Specimen of Chromatic Wood Type…_ & patented on 3 March 1874 as US Design Patent 7,230.
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/chromatic-gothic-paneled/
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #letterforms #typography
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/chromatic-gothic-paneled/
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #letterforms #typography
HBD William Thomas Morgans born 2 July 1844! He was one of the dominant producers & innovators of wood type in the US in the late 1870s, as founding partner of the wood type companies Young & Morgans (1876) then Morgans & Wilcox Mfg Co (1880) http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/william-morgans #WoodType
July 2, 2025 at 6:13 PM
HBD William Thomas Morgans born 2 July 1844! He was one of the dominant producers & innovators of wood type in the US in the late 1870s, as founding partner of the wood type companies Young & Morgans (1876) then Morgans & Wilcox Mfg Co (1880) http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/william-morgans #WoodType
I’ve updated the list of Rob Roy Kelly’s 1964 folio w/ newly located copies http://www.woodtyperesearch.com. No 5, in a private collection, was Kelly’s personal copy, recently consigned by his daughter.
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #type #typography #LetterForms #NineteenthCentury #Archives #Bibliography
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #type #typography #LetterForms #NineteenthCentury #Archives #Bibliography
June 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I’ve updated the list of Rob Roy Kelly’s 1964 folio w/ newly located copies http://www.woodtyperesearch.com. No 5, in a private collection, was Kelly’s personal copy, recently consigned by his daughter.
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #type #typography #LetterForms #NineteenthCentury #Archives #Bibliography
#WoodType #TypeSpecimen #type #typography #LetterForms #NineteenthCentury #Archives #Bibliography
I just backed The Coast Manual of Lettering and Designs on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/coa...
The Coast Manual of Lettering and Designs
Our goal is to scan, restore and reprint this rare piece of sign painting history for future generations to enjoy!
www.kickstarter.com
June 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
I just backed The Coast Manual of Lettering and Designs on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/coa...
(Late) springtime in the high desert.
May 17, 2025 at 8:39 PM
(Late) springtime in the high desert.
Darius Wells born 26 April 1800 Kingsboro, NY. Invented the router (lateral revolving cutting tool) to make the 1st machine cut #WoodType in 1828. An active abolitionist he ran a station on the underground railroad in Patterson, NJ helping enslaved humans move north to Canada to live as free humans.
April 26, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Darius Wells born 26 April 1800 Kingsboro, NY. Invented the router (lateral revolving cutting tool) to make the 1st machine cut #WoodType in 1828. An active abolitionist he ran a station on the underground railroad in Patterson, NJ helping enslaved humans move north to Canada to live as free humans.
Accidental typographic palimpsests, encountered in Special Collections at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
——— #WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #TypeHistory #letterpress #type #design #NineteethCentury #Palimpsest
——— #WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #TypeHistory #letterpress #type #design #NineteethCentury #Palimpsest
April 22, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Accidental typographic palimpsests, encountered in Special Collections at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
——— #WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #TypeHistory #letterpress #type #design #NineteethCentury #Palimpsest
——— #WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeDesign #TypeHistory #letterpress #type #design #NineteethCentury #Palimpsest
HBD Henry P Hamilton born 21 Apr 1862 youngest of 3 brothers, worked with older brthr George at _The Detroit Record_ as a printer & then with oldest brthr James at Hamilton & Baker, later Hamilton Mfg Co Credited patents USD37308 & 37309 http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/hamilton-mfg-672-673 #WoodType
April 21, 2025 at 7:46 PM
HBD Henry P Hamilton born 21 Apr 1862 youngest of 3 brothers, worked with older brthr George at _The Detroit Record_ as a printer & then with oldest brthr James at Hamilton & Baker, later Hamilton Mfg Co Credited patents USD37308 & 37309 http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/hamilton-mfg-672-673 #WoodType
Not sure what will come of it, but l’m giving Bluesky’a Flashes a whirl (w/ a different account handle)…
@19cwt-obscura.bsky.social
I believe in a decentralized web (and maybe even buy into it being “billionaire-proof”) so I’m also federated at…
typo.social/@19cWT & pixelfed.social/@19cWT
@19cwt-obscura.bsky.social
I believe in a decentralized web (and maybe even buy into it being “billionaire-proof”) so I’m also federated at…
typo.social/@19cWT & pixelfed.social/@19cWT
March 7, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Not sure what will come of it, but l’m giving Bluesky’a Flashes a whirl (w/ a different account handle)…
@19cwt-obscura.bsky.social
I believe in a decentralized web (and maybe even buy into it being “billionaire-proof”) so I’m also federated at…
typo.social/@19cWT & pixelfed.social/@19cWT
@19cwt-obscura.bsky.social
I believe in a decentralized web (and maybe even buy into it being “billionaire-proof”) so I’m also federated at…
typo.social/@19cWT & pixelfed.social/@19cWT
Howdy! As an introduction…
I’m David, he/him. A typographer & archivist. I also teach design at VCU in Richmond, VA, USA, and author & designer of _The Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection: A History and Catalog_. Wrapped up my MLIS degree and working on making my way to more archival work.
I’m David, he/him. A typographer & archivist. I also teach design at VCU in Richmond, VA, USA, and author & designer of _The Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection: A History and Catalog_. Wrapped up my MLIS degree and working on making my way to more archival work.
February 2, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Howdy! As an introduction…
I’m David, he/him. A typographer & archivist. I also teach design at VCU in Richmond, VA, USA, and author & designer of _The Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection: A History and Catalog_. Wrapped up my MLIS degree and working on making my way to more archival work.
I’m David, he/him. A typographer & archivist. I also teach design at VCU in Richmond, VA, USA, and author & designer of _The Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection: A History and Catalog_. Wrapped up my MLIS degree and working on making my way to more archival work.
Reposted by David Shields
Here are the options on the table (which are not mutually exclusive):
1. House Dems bring articles of impeachment*
2. Senate Dems play constitutional hardball and obstruct everything
3. State AGs litigate (and prosecute) everything they can
4. Citizens march en mass
1. House Dems bring articles of impeachment*
2. Senate Dems play constitutional hardball and obstruct everything
3. State AGs litigate (and prosecute) everything they can
4. Citizens march en mass
February 1, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Here are the options on the table (which are not mutually exclusive):
1. House Dems bring articles of impeachment*
2. Senate Dems play constitutional hardball and obstruct everything
3. State AGs litigate (and prosecute) everything they can
4. Citizens march en mass
1. House Dems bring articles of impeachment*
2. Senate Dems play constitutional hardball and obstruct everything
3. State AGs litigate (and prosecute) everything they can
4. Citizens march en mass
Reposted by David Shields
A friend sent me some 1980s catalogues from a Biswanath Studio in Calcutta that collect the shop’s readymade wood blocks. They feature delightful lettered units in Bangla and Latin mostly. I find it particularly educational to see the same phrases lettered in dozens of different styles.
January 26, 2025 at 9:46 AM
A friend sent me some 1980s catalogues from a Biswanath Studio in Calcutta that collect the shop’s readymade wood blocks. They feature delightful lettered units in Bangla and Latin mostly. I find it particularly educational to see the same phrases lettered in dozens of different styles.
Reposted by David Shields
Some of the best writing* on the topic of typography can be found in the _Typography Papers_ published at The University of Reading within the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. They are now available to read online. typography.network/typographypa...
*I might be biased.
*I might be biased.
January 18, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Some of the best writing* on the topic of typography can be found in the _Typography Papers_ published at The University of Reading within the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication. They are now available to read online. typography.network/typographypa...
*I might be biased.
*I might be biased.
I’m voting Anne De Marcken’s _It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Gone_ as my favorite read of 2024. It’s a lovely hybrid of genres (speculative fiction, horror, fantasy…) It also won the 2024 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction. Compelling story questioning what it means to be human, impeccably written.
December 27, 2024 at 5:24 PM
I’m voting Anne De Marcken’s _It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Gone_ as my favorite read of 2024. It’s a lovely hybrid of genres (speculative fiction, horror, fantasy…) It also won the 2024 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction. Compelling story questioning what it means to be human, impeccably written.
HBD! George Case Setchell born 17 Dec 1838 in Norwich, CT. He was a typecutter for Page & Co in ‘68 & later perfected the die-cut method.
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/setchell/
#WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeHistory #letterpress
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/setchell/
#WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeHistory #letterpress
Wood Type Research – George Case Setchell
George Case Setchell was born December 17, 1838 in Norwich, Connecticut to William Kelly Setchell and Maria E. Case. He was a skilled type cutter and a keen inventor, who perfected the die-cut method ...
www.woodtyperesearch.com
December 17, 2024 at 7:35 PM
HBD! George Case Setchell born 17 Dec 1838 in Norwich, CT. He was a typecutter for Page & Co in ‘68 & later perfected the die-cut method.
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/setchell/
#WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeHistory #letterpress
http://www.woodtyperesearch.com/setchell/
#WoodType #letterforms #typography #archives #libraries #bibliography #TypeSpecimen #TypeHistory #letterpress
Just spending sometime outside with the art in town.
December 14, 2024 at 9:53 PM
Just spending sometime outside with the art in town.
Reposted by David Shields
Today in pulp I look back at the simple idea that launched a thousand fanzines: Letraset!
Launched in 1959 by Dai Davies and Fred Mackenzie it heralded a graphic design revolution that brought funky fonts and trendy typefaces to the masses... #fontsunday #booksky
Launched in 1959 by Dai Davies and Fred Mackenzie it heralded a graphic design revolution that brought funky fonts and trendy typefaces to the masses... #fontsunday #booksky
December 1, 2024 at 2:39 PM
Today in pulp I look back at the simple idea that launched a thousand fanzines: Letraset!
Launched in 1959 by Dai Davies and Fred Mackenzie it heralded a graphic design revolution that brought funky fonts and trendy typefaces to the masses... #fontsunday #booksky
Launched in 1959 by Dai Davies and Fred Mackenzie it heralded a graphic design revolution that brought funky fonts and trendy typefaces to the masses... #fontsunday #booksky
Amazing crowdsourcing project by Richard Ardagh documenting the Type Archive in London. Stunning, handsome, pretty, luxe, erudite…pick your adjectives & consider supporting the project! vol.co/collections/...
#typography #letterpress #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #WoodType #design
#typography #letterpress #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #WoodType #design
Type Archived
A publishing platform for books on visual culture
vol.co
November 27, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Amazing crowdsourcing project by Richard Ardagh documenting the Type Archive in London. Stunning, handsome, pretty, luxe, erudite…pick your adjectives & consider supporting the project! vol.co/collections/...
#typography #letterpress #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #WoodType #design
#typography #letterpress #archives #libraries #collections #bibliography #WoodType #design
Reposted by David Shields
If you like specimen books, you might like this one! I’m a little biased because I had the honor of working on it, but I think it’s a genuinely cool artifact.
commercialtype.com/goods/double...
commercialtype.com/goods/double...
commercialtype.com
November 17, 2024 at 9:39 PM
If you like specimen books, you might like this one! I’m a little biased because I had the honor of working on it, but I think it’s a genuinely cool artifact.
commercialtype.com/goods/double...
commercialtype.com/goods/double...
Dafi Kühne’s phenomenal follow up to _True Print_ arrived in my post box this morning. Wow wow. _Poster Cult!_ is an excellent addition to any library! (Plus the attention to production detail is just over the top.) #typography #posters #woodtype #letterpress #books
November 16, 2024 at 7:33 PM
Dafi Kühne’s phenomenal follow up to _True Print_ arrived in my post box this morning. Wow wow. _Poster Cult!_ is an excellent addition to any library! (Plus the attention to production detail is just over the top.) #typography #posters #woodtype #letterpress #books