Type Specimens: The Creation of a Digital Font Inspired by Hand-Lettering at the Wagner

Referencing archival hand-lettering from the collection at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, Dermot Mac Cormack & 21xdesign has designed a new digital font, Willison, based on the exquisite labels by Charles Willison Johnson, one of the museum’s founding curators in the late 19th century. While remaining true to the original unique hand-lettering in the collection, the Willison font exists as its own digital entity.

The font will be unveiled at the Wagner on October 11th at an open house with light refreshments. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., see the new font alongside Johnson's original labels in the Wagner's museum. At 6 p.m. in the Wagner's lecture hall, Dermot will share the process involved in creating the Willison font. Exploration and refreshments in the museum will continue until the event ends at 7:30 p.m. This event is part of DesignPhiladelphia.

This project was supported by a Temple University-Wagner Free Institute of Science Humanities & Arts Research Fellowship.

Registration is requested but not required, and donations at the door to support the Wagner's programs and historic collections are always welcome.

Willison font. Image by 21xdesign.

About Dermot Mac Cormack:

Dermot Mac Cormack is graphic designer, educator and writer. His research is multi-faceted and involves the creation of analog and digital narratives that give voice to the forgotten and the voiceless in contemporary culture as well as Ireland’s historically rich past. He cares deeply about issues such as gun control and the historical impact of the Famine in 19th century Ireland. He also creates interactive installations that combine digital, generative technologies with audio. His research is concerned with issues pertaining to mid-century European design and the impact of technology on contemporary design. BFA, Visual Communications, The National College of Art & Design, 1981

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

From I-76 or I–95, take 676 to the Broad Street exit. Follow Broad north to Norris Street (look for Temple University’s red banners). Turn left on Norris, go three blocks to 17th Street, make a left and follow 17th Street one block to Montgomery Avenue. On street parking is available on Montgomery Avenue, in front of the museum and nearby, as well as on surrounding streets (some is metered and/or two-hour). Garage parking is available at Temple’s Liacouras Center; the garage entrance is on 15th Street, below Montgomery Avenue.

The closest SEPTA Regional Rail station is Temple University (a 15-minute walk from the Wagner). If you are coming from within the city, you can take the Broad Street subway (Orange Line - LOCAL only) to Temple University/Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Walk one block north to Montgomery Avenue, three blocks west to 17th Street.

By bus: The number 2 SEPTA bus stops at 16th Street and Montgomery Avenue heading north or 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue heading south.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, we do not need to see your ticket at the door.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome unless preregistration is at capacity for the lecture hall, so you do not need to transfer your ticket. However, we do encourage you to preregister if you will attend and cancel your preregistration if you cannot attend to make our check-in process faster.