Wendingen: Beeldstatistiek

Wendingen (which apparently translates to “twists and turns”) was a Dutch architecture and art magazine. Each issue was devoted to a specific theme—and this one was all about Isotypes. The text and cover are by Peter Alma, but there’s an international showing of related work from Germany, Spain, and the Soviet Union. Now, there are two further things to consider: 1. While this is a rather legendary issue of a legendary magazine, it’s also showing contemporary Isotypes and graphics from when they were actually being made. So, these were new ideas, being introduced while they were being ideated. And, 2. All of the display and ornamental matter throughout were printed from type-high rules. Hendrikus Th. Wijdeveld was creating letters and shapes from just straight lines (essentially) found in the print shop. Actually, “found” might be an overstatement. He were clearly constructing and cutting rules to size. It’s a remarkable feat and shows what kind of letters can be made with the most extreme, self-imposed limitations. A great copy of a scarce item.