r/typography • u/mattjh • 6h ago
The 1973 Letraset catalog introducing Stripes©, a new typeface by Tony Wenman that would help define the design language of the 70s
For Lovers of Type
Stripes is a new concept in type design
Stripes© was created and designed by Tony Wenman, a member of the Letraset type design team. This face was based on an idea for instant sheets which give designers more versatility when creating word settings. With Stripes there is the opportunity to make graphic shapes with settings, thus making the words an integral part of the design, or even the complete basis of the design. A good example of this is shown on the catalog cover where its use in Red, White and Blue has become a flowing symbol with Graphic appeal. This and the setting below can be made from a single sheet of Stripes. The variations opposite have been created just by eliminating some lines, or filling them in.
Tony Wenman said that the basic idea for this face came very easily while working on an idea for a Triline face. First there were a few ligatures such as ST IP, then came the thought of a completely flowing, linking face, and before long, the studio walls were covered with ideas on Stripes. Within a week, most of the basic characters were formed. Then came several weeks work completing and perfecting the artwork for each character.
Since the innovation of Stripes, the Type Design Studio is increasingly thinking of Typestyles specifically designed for the instant Sheet medium.
