10 // Shop / The composition of type metal

A specimen of ‘Grotesque’ metal types held in the case at Smith’s Rules.

Based on the design of the Periodic Table of Elements — contained in a 12 x 8 12 pica grid — the work sets out to display the range of sizes & styles of each of the categories of types held in the workshop. The smaller type sizes being in the first columns — 6 / 8 / 10pt etc — progressing to the largest in column twelve at 72 pt. There are eight rows that contain the eight different styles of san serif.

Contained within the structure are the three elements that make-up the material composition of lead type.

In printing, metal type is cast from a combination of three metallic elements. The percentage of each metal depends on the usage of the type but the general rule for type held in the case is:

74 percent Lead: heavy, poisonous, malleable & ducktile but soft & weak.

18 percent Antimony: brittle, but when alloyed strengthens the metal.

10 percent Tin: soft & ductile but wear resistant & fluid when molten to give a finer face to the type.

. . .

Designed, hand-set & printed Letterpress
with Light & Dark Grey & 072 Blue ink
on 280gsm BFK Rives Grey
3 deckle & 1 torn edge
Imperial size — 30 x 22 inches
(760 x 560 mm)

Sold out / SOLD UNFRAMED £250