Graft, Typeface Design
Typography
A typeface forged in the north of England as part of These Northern Types. What began as a self-initiated brief to make a “northern typeface” ended with building the giant People Powered Press.
The letters’ forms take inspiration from the north’s rich industrial heritage and steel manufacture, using the shape of the cross section of a steel I-beam as their starting point. But, with steel being manufactured all over the world, how could we make something ‘of’ a place? We decided the only way to do this, was to bring the letters, and local community groups to bring the words.
It’s this initial idea that formed the foundations of the People Powered Press — find out more here.
Broad ee-bah-gum-Yorkshire is by no means the only language spoken in the north of England. Graft’s extensive character set has been designed in recognition of our linguistic diversity. Over 300 languages are now spoken in the UK. For the many northerners speaking the wide variety of languages using the Roman alphabet, Graft works.
Ltd Edition Sampler
We collaborated with paper company Fedrigoni & printers Pressision to create a sampler for Graft.
The sampler comes in a zip-perf folder, holding a singer stitched booklet and fold out poster that tells the story of the typeface’s design and how the People Powered Press came to be. The sampler is printed throughout in black and metallic silver.
The Graft Prints Series
We have also created a limited edition set of prints using Graft on the People Powered Press, also available to buy from our shop here.
Proceeds from all sales of the sampler, font and prints will be used to support the People Powered Press and its work.