American Typography Pages, From New Letters & Lettering by Paul Carlyle & Guy

Details

Description

Paul Carlyle & Guy Oring: A Set of Nine Framed Typographic Pages from New Letters & Lettering, 1943

This striking … Read more Paul Carlyle & Guy Oring: A Set of Nine Framed Typographic Pages from New Letters & Lettering, 1943

This striking set of nine framed pages originates from the landmark publication New Letters & Lettering, originally published in 1938 by Paul Carlyle and Guy Oring. Each page is a self-contained work of art, featuring four different words—a "visual vocabulary" of design. The words are presented in four distinct square panels, with two in a light color and two in a dark color, creating a dynamic and graphic interplay of tone and form. Now elegantly mounted in black frames, these pages offer a compelling glimpse into the innovative and modern aesthetic of mid-20th-century American typography.

Historical Context
The period between the World Wars was a time of radical change in graphic design and typography, a shift away from ornate, historical styles toward a more functionalist and modern aesthetic. Publications like New Letters & Lettering were instrumental in this transformation. When it was first released in 1938, the book served as an essential resource for graphic designers, commercial artists, and sign painters who were seeking a new, clean visual language for the Machine Age. It was a practical guide that showcased contemporary typefaces and lettering styles, reflecting the influence of European movements like the Bauhaus and Art Deco on American design.

Paul Carlyle and Guy Oring were prominent commercial artists of their time, and their collaboration on this book positioned them as influential tastemakers. The book's forward-thinking approach, which emphasized clarity, simplicity, and geometric precision, made it a valuable tool for professionals seeking to create advertisements, logos, and printed materials that looked fresh and modern. The fact that the book was reprinted in 1943 underscores its enduring relevance and popularity in the midst of World War II, a time when clarity and direct communication were paramount. These framed pages are more than simple illustrations; they are historical artifacts that represent a pivotal moment in the history of American graphic design, capturing the spirit of an era that valued both artistic expression and industrial efficiency.

Dimensions
10 inches high x 12 inches wide x 1/2 inch deep.

(Ref: NY9234/pmr) See less