Phaidon Books has posted a short profile of the original “Gridnik”, graphic designer Wim Crouwel:
Crouwel, who appeared in Gary Hustwit’s documentary Helvetica, is famous for his innovative approach to typography and his 1967 ‘New Alphabet’. The New Alphabet font was adapted by designer Peter Saville for the cover of Joy Division’s album Substance, released by Factory Records in 1988.
An exhibition of celebrating Crouwel’s work, Wim Crouwel: A Graphic Odyssey, is at The Design Museum in London from March 30th – July 3rd.
UPDATE: Wim Crouwel: A Graphic Odyssey – Catalogue is published by Unit Editions with three different cover photographs to choose from.
Hi Dan, just a quick note to say the book was published by Unit Editions not Phaidon. Warm regards Tony
Hi Tony. Sorry. Phaidon posted the video, but I didn’t know who had published the catalogue for the exhibition. I’ve updated the post with additional information about the book. Thanks.
Am I stupid, or does that “Substance” actually read “Substamce” on the Joy Division cover?
Or maybe that’s just Saville’s adaptation :-/
Hey Mark. Legibility is not exactly the new alphabet’s strong point! I don’t think Crouwel ever meant it to be used. And I could be making this up, but I *think* the digital version of The New Alphabet released by The Foundry actually tweaks his original designs to improve its readability.
The New Alphabet was also one of the typefaces that MOMA in New York decided to add to their collection. There’s more information and images here.