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WHAT is there about July that makes it possible for us to get out a paper this month, when we can’t in any other? It’s not NAPA convention time that provides the old drive. We’ve been forced to miss that stimulus for a couple of years now. “Pike’s Peak or Bust!” will be revived as our motto for the year. No, it must be that old Independence Day spirit! Paul, hand me the ornaments, please.
We didn’t get that better year we were looking for in No. 6: operation 3 wouldn’t heal and operation 4 proved more extensive. Bill spent April and May in the hospital; is recuperating as this is being set by Till.
Just Our Type 3 is somewhat closer to completion. We don’t dare to predict, but…
It’s a Small World!
THAT’S an old saw, but it becomes sharper every time somebody breaks through that sound barrier. To Reg Hollins of England and Bill Haywood in the U.S.A. it has a special significance. Both are hobby printers, and both underwent similar operations for a like, rather unusual, condition during the same years.
While we were comparing notes, the idea of a round-the-world annual publication for amateur printers was conceived. Naturally enough, it was decided that we would call it Small World.
The details have been ironed out while both of us were recuperating. The first edition will be distributed in April of 1955. All amateur printers are invited to take part, and should submit their 250 copies of a 2- or 4-page section to Bill by the end of March. Page size is to be 5×7 inches, type block 20×30 picas and margins 5-5-5-7. Printers are free to write what they please, but amateur printing should be the theme, and we suggest that you introduce yourself and your shop in this first number. The cover will bear the title drawing we reproduce here, and the edition will be bound by plastic tubes.
Among the inserts which have already arrived are three from England. The first is from Maurice Peach. You’ll chuckle at his unusual introduction of his favorite type, Monotype Plantin. Another user of Plantin is A. L. Shearn. He sent us four pages from his Ember Press. Third British insert came from Bristol amateurs K. C. G. Thomas and A. E. Bridle. They favor Gill Sans.
From Japan we received a proof of four pages printed by the Wessons. We hope the 250 copies make the voyage safely, so you can read Helen’s fascinating article, “Cradle of the Craft.” which relates the history of printing in the Orient.
Typographical Corner
CONTINUING our discussion of European types, we’d like to say a few words about Netherlands typographers this time. Consider this: The first independent typefounder in the history of printing was Dutchman Henric de Lettersnider – or Henry the Typecutter – who was supplying type to Low Country printers around 1490.
Today the Netherlands is one of the world’s largest type exporters. Dating back to 1743 is Joh. Enschede & Sons of Haarlem, casting designs by Jan van Krimpen, of Lutetia fame.
The Amsterdam Typefoundry has Sjoerd H. de Roos, creator of Egmont. Some popular Dutch faces: Libra, De Roos Roman, Studio, Excelsior, Rondo.
Edited and Printed by Matilda S. and William F. Haywood at Fair Lawn, N. J., Assisted by Paul W.