Typogram Type Specimens: Futura, Gill Sans, Janson, Bodoni [Willi Kunz]

(4) Typogram Type Specimens: Bodoni, Futura, Janson and Gill Sans, 1985-86. Typogram, 900 Broadway, New York, NY, USA. 8.75 x 12, page counts vary, pp. 8-36 plus covers. Typeset by various individuals. Designed by Willi Kunz Associates.

A group of uncommon type specimens by Berthold Phototype from Typogram including: Bodoni, Futura, Janson and Gill Sans. Each booklet includes an introductory text about the phototype process followed by numerous specimen pages organized by typeface style with various point sizes.

Some history about the company from the interior: “Since Typogram was formed in 1980, we have only used Berthold typesetters and fonts. We bought Berthold equipment to get the best. We use it the best way we know how. All our type is exposed directly onto repro film or paper; we make no second generation diazo repros. All our work, including rules, is composed on computer in position; we do no hand stripping. Aesthetic considerations such as kerning, rag, and rivers — as well as common sense — are considered vital to each job; we don’t wait for the client to demand them. In the end, people — not machines — still set the type.”

A thoughtful and systematic design by Willi Kunz using the typeface Univers. The structural cover reveals a grid which mimics the interior pages. The stapled booklets are printed with black ink and each uses a unique color for easy identification. Nearly fine with a hint of wear, mostly to the Futura booklet.