"From scribes to types. Les inspiracions i influències dels primers tipus mòbils", by Peter van der Weij

"From scribes to types («Dels escribans a la tipografia»). Les inspiracions i influències dels primers tipus mòbils" is the Final Master’s project by Peter van der Weij, on Master’s in Advanced Typography, tutored by Albert Corbeto.

The overall topic of my research concerns one of the most important inventions in the world, that of the printing press. What it set off is impressive and also the speed in which it spread over Europe is remarkable. I believe that the existence of the calligraphic predecessors played an important roll in it. Within 50 years of the first print book, basically all the important typefaces came to life in movable type variations. The Gotica, the Roman and the Italic were made in an incredible speed. This would not have been possible without their calligraphic counterparts.

This research explores the period before and after the invention of the printing press, and the journey that turned the first scripts into movable type. The research consists of investigating and mapping the scripts that were chosen. Looking analytically at the historical background, aesthetic influences, models, characteristics and comparisons are criteria that have been chosen for each script. This research sheds light on the aspects of the transition from script to moveable type and proves that the cultural & historical context and aesthetic choices play an important role in bringing movable type to life.

The aim of the research is to distinguish and name the similarities and changes that were made in the scripts to be able to transition into movable type. I have used the following research questions: Which models where used as an inspiration or blueprint for the first movable types? What aesthetic influences where involved in making them? Were there also influences from Northern Europe to Southern Europe? By looking at and analysing the scripts that were turned into movable type in the 15th and 16th centuries I have tried to answer these questions.