Experimental Exercises in Typography 1971

In order to gain a real knowledge and understanding of the basic essential aspects of typography, its purpose, function and techniques, a series of exercises were devised to be experimental in approach, involving the student with the basic aspects of typography and then to acquire a basic knowledge of type by exploring creatively the nature and value of type. To avoid any superficial approach, all exercises were carried out by first making a careful analysis of the purpose and function of the brief. A wise a approach. Anyway, this portfolio of student work is a lovely and inspiring production, showing what was being done at the famed Hornsey College of Art, “an iconic British art institution, renowned for its experimental and progressive approach to art and design education.” This portfolio was produced in 1971, four years before Neville Brody would attend. (And Ray Davies of the Kinks went there, too.) This thing is a total, pre-digital charmer—and most likely produced in a very small quantity. Really rare.