Category Archives: Typographic finds

A little selection of typography found on the cottages around St Ives, Cornwall:

This shop in Oxford has probably changed hands many times since it was called simply ‘Office’, yet the buildings historical purpose remains on show. The building itself is a lovely 1920’s art deco style, and the etched design on the side window fits into the shape of it beautifully.

But it doesn’t stop there. In the doorway is a mosaic that serves as a welcome mat, just to be sure you have the right place. I imagine in it’s day, the shop had nothing more than the subtle etched window and the stylish mosaic. Certainly no plasticated, neon lit, shop front sign of modern times. On a visit to Lisbon in Portugal a few years back, I was struck by how all of the shops on their high street had their name and design identity mosaicked into the doorway, just like this. I guess these days (certainly in the UK) shops are never around long enough for them to go to this sort of expense and trouble, but wouldn’t it be nicer!

A small typographic tour of my partners home town of Ulverston:

I love that this old typographic ad has not only survived, but has been repainted and maintained. Even though I doubt very much you can buy Abbey Sauce in the local Tesco Express these days. I wonder what it tasted like? I think they generally rely on a different kind of delicious, stimulating tonic in the town these days.

A classic typographic treatment for the local opticians is painted on the front of their building. I love the subtle shades of grey which match the window frames.

The old ‘drug store’ on the corner still has a list of supplies wrapping around the building above the door. I hope this always remains a pharmacy so that this isn’t lost to history.

Quite appropriate that Gill Cycles is set in Gill Sans. It’s not just that though, I love the mechanical feel of the letters that could almost be made of spare bike parts. And they look especially good against that blue background. Pity about the plastic sign below.

Lastly, I wanted to show one of the many murals which are spreading around the town. I really like them, they certainly brighten up the dark alleyways they occupy. I especially like her (more on the artist here) typographic style, and so felt justified in adding this.