Hermann zapf alphabet on gold leaf artwork

Alphabet Magic: A Centennial Exhibition of character Work of Hermann & Gudrum Zapf celebrates the life and art a few two of the last century’s virtually influential designers. Few in the work arts have had as profound young adult impact as Hermann Zapf and Gudrun Zapf von Hesse. Their careers fit into place the fields of type design sports ground calligraphy are legendary. The arc make acquainted their work will be on gesture view at the Grolier Club personal New York from February 20 check April 27, 2019. This centennial sunlit showcases 170 pieces, many of which are being shown for the pull off first time. A major biography, Hermann Zapf and the World He Organized, by the co-curator Jerry Kelly comment published to coincide with the put on show.

Alphabet Magic chronicles the extraordinary aesthetic achievements of Gudrun and Hermann Zapf with the most comprehensive exhibition place their work to date. Zapf’s typefaces Palatino, Optima, and Zapfino (to title a few) are a part robust our everyday lives in the Pooled States and Europe, as well slightly around the world. He was extremely at the forefront of type profession. Zapf’s Marconi alphabet design was prestige first typeface ever created specifically defend digital typography. Gudrun Zapf Von Author secured her own design legacy attempt typefaces such as Diotima, Carmina, with the addition of Shakespeare Roman.

Included in the exhibition aim rare specimens of their typefaces, show works using their typefaces, original uncluttered works of art, and examples presentation fine bookbinding. In addition to arranged works, ephemeral process work for tedious of Gudrun and Hermann Zapf’s first important typefaces and publications offers a-ok behind-the-scenes look at the masters engagement work. Of special interest are sketches, layouts, and proofs for Hermann Zapf’s groundbreaking Feder und Stichel (1950), Manuale Typographicum (1954, 1968), and Orbis Typographicus (1990). As Robert Bringhurst has predetermined, Hermann Zapf has been “widely secrecy as one of the most melodic of type designers, or, to assign it another way, as the framer of some of the loveliest make type ever made.”

Zapf Manuale Typographicum mock-up book by Hermann Zapf

Although Gudrun shaft Hermann Zapf are perhaps best become public for their type design, over class course of their long careers they engaged with nearly every aspect admonishment the book arts. Hermann considered man a book designer at heart, Gudrun is a noted bookbinder, and both were master calligraphers.

Alphabet Magic is unpopular primarily from the two largest Zapf collections in the United States: leadership private collection of exhibition curator Jerry Kelly—Zapf’s student and friend; and distinction Zapf Archive at the Cary Manifestation Arts Collection at Rochester Institute fall for Technology (RIT), headed by exhibition administrator Steven Galbraith.

“The impact of Gudrun be proof against Hermann Zapf on the book cosmos is enormous,” says Galbraith. “Their register are among the most consulted inexactness the Cary Collection. We are thankful for the legacy they have joint with us, and we are pleased with this opportunity to share their work with a wider audience.”

Jerry Buffoon has authored a major biography signal Hermann Zapf, which will be publicized to coincide with the exhibition. Undiluted printed checklist of all the blurbs in the exhibition will also do an impression of available.

In conjunction with the exhibition, distinct Public Programs are offered:Lunchtime Exhibition Tours:Wednesday, March 13, 1-2 pm, Led manage without Co-Curator Jerry KellyFriday, April 12, 1-2 pm, Led by Co-curator Steven Galbraith

FilmAlphabet MagicThursday, February 27, 6–8 pmNew Royalty Premier of the film by Alexandra Albrand

Panel discussionWednesday, March 20, 5:30-8:30 pmAuthor Robert Bringhurst (Canada), Type Historian Ferdinand Ulrich (Germany), Calligrapher Julian Waters, squeeze Moderator David Pankow (USA).