This walk (originally prepared for the 1997 ATypI conference) concentrates on larger examples of public lettering and doesn’t mention incidentals – stop–cocks, manholes, dates on buildings, builders marks, &c – of which there is much en route. Much of the pleasure of this kind of walk, is finding things yourself. Although also ‘public’, it entirely ignores advertising hoardings, store signs and most corporate identities as these are usually approached as pieces of graphic design rather than opportunities for specialist, site–specific lettering.
This project has been as a beta to support a proposal for a project under consideration which would include a much larger store of information on public lettering and signage. We would really appreciate any feedback you have. If you have a query, comment or correction regarding the content, then send a mail to Phil Baines. We would also really like to hear your thoughts on the interface and site design in general. Did you find any bugs or experience any problems? Was there anything you wanted to do that you couldn't? please mail either Jack or George and let us know.
Phil Baines is curator (with Catherine Dixon) of the Central Lettering Record (CLR) at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design. The meta information and structure for this site has been developed to include a much larger and more diverse volume of like content. The CLR has over 10,000 photographs among its collection, mainly by Nicholas Biddulph (its founder) and Nicolete Gray. Recently Alan Bartram donated his photographic archive to the collection. We are currently looking to develop a repository to include the CLR.
Phil Baines Copyright © 1997, 2002