Investigating the typographic punches of John Baskerville (1707-75) through heritage science and practice-based research
Bringing together archaeologists, printing historians, heritage scientists, craftspeople, and type designers around the AHRC-funded Cambridge Heritage Science Hub (CHERISH), this project will reconstruct eighteenth-century punch-cutting using a combination of pioneering scientific and artisanal methods that will benefit current industrial and craft applications as well as educational projects.
What is this film about?
Adrien Vasquez, London-based designer and type designer, demonstrated the theory and practice of punch cutting. Punch cutting was the first step in the production of Baskerville’s metal type and it involved cutting the required letter in reverse and in relief into a bar of steel. A skill that is now all but lost. Here he is demonstrating his craft to the ‘Small Performances’ team.
We also have short films on the Baskerville punches, type casting and the launch of the project, these can be viewed here:
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(@baskervillepunches) • Instagram photos and videos
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