William Morris Typefaces

'Typefaces', 1897 (printed page)

In this design, one can easily notice that designer uses the grid system for the whole design. Such a page presents a number of different typefaces/fonts. Morris used ornamental borders for the lower part of the layout which is primarily based on the style of medieval manuscripts. Apart from this, the border seems to be lighter than what is inside it. The title in the middle of such layout is almost lost even though it is bold and is placed on a blank background. The fact that the Morris used the red colour to write a "Note" stands out from the rest of the layout. With regards to the font, the designer uses Serif typeface.

'The Nature of Gothic', Kelmscott Press 1892
(Title Page from 'The Stones of Venice' by John Ruskin)

This title page is more or less similar to the “Typefaces”. Using the grid system as well, Morris seems to give more importance to the border in which curves and floral forms are combined with each other. The first letter of the text presented in the layout stands out however because of the details used around it, the meaning of the letter “W” is lost. At the same time, I really liked the fact that he manages to combine the floral and curved forms used in the background with the letter. When it comes to the word's font, this page contains of Serif once again.

Reference

Artyfactory, 2013. William Morris (1834-1896). [online] Available at: <http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/graphic_designers/william_morris.html> [Accessed November 2013].