The 1920s: A Decade of Transformation in Typography and Graphics
01. Futura
One of the most popular typefaces of the decade, among those we spoke to for this article, was geometric sans-serif Futura, designed by Paul Renner and released commercially in 1927. According to Damien Collot, creative type director of Monotype, "The first research leading to the creation of Futura is a source of inspiration for the diversity it offers and the extreme manipulation of letter forms, which demonstrates the full potential of expression in the Latin script."
London-based designer Laura Foley agrees that Futura’s strength is demonstrated by its continued popularity and versatility. "I’ve always liked Futura because it’s simple but still has a lot of personality. It’s really clean and easy to read, which makes it work in so many different formats," she says.
02. Bifur
Bifur, designed in 1929 by French artist and type designer A.M. Cassandre for French foundry Deberny & Peignot, was developed as a bold and innovative response to the cultural and artistic movements of its time, particularly Art Deco and Modernism. According to Eleni Beveratou, creative director at Dalton Maag, "Bifur has often been celebrated for its modular structure. Each letter is comprised of two distinct layers: a solid primary structure and an abstract, linear overlay. Separately, these layers deconstruct the letters to the brink of being unrecognizable. However, when combined, they create a striking result."
09. The Work of Kurt Schwitters
Part of the Dadaism art movement, dedicated to the rejection of traditional aesthetic values, artist Kurt Schwitters is best known for his collages and installations. He also founded Merz, a publication that featured found typographic fragments and his phonetic alphabet experiments known as ‘Systemschrift’. Created in 1927, Systemschrift was Schwitters’ attempt to link sound and shape, to create a unique visual speech texture.
Conclusion
The 1920s saw a significant transformation in typography and graphics, marked by the rise of new movements, styles, and typefaces. Futura, Bifur, and the work of Kurt Schwitters are just a few examples of the innovative and experimental approaches that emerged during this decade. As designers, we can learn from the principles of experimentation, creativity, and innovation that defined this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were some of the key typefaces of the 1920s?
A: Futura, Bifur, and Systemschrift were some of the notable typefaces of the 1920s.
Q: What were some of the key design movements of the 1920s?
A: The 1920s saw the rise of Art Deco, Modernism, and Dadaism, which had a significant impact on graphic design and typography.
Q: Who were some of the key designers and artists of the 1920s?
A: Paul Renner, A.M. Cassandre, Kurt Schwitters, and other artists and designers were some of the key figures of the 1920s.
