Typophile

Hairlines

kris

I am curious about the usage of the term 'hairline' in
in reference to (or so i think) the thinner strokes on
letterforms. Icame across the term in an essay by
Stanley Morrison,and have heard the term thrown
about in 'type' class without any concrete reason for it's
use. It occured to me that it may have come about
because they literally look line hairlines when printed
at smaller pt sizes.

I would love some clarification!

bieler

kris

I think a hairline is a hairline at no matter what point size. Basically half-a-point, maybe a quarter-point, can't remember, most likely a half. Rule (lines) were cast at a minimum of one-point but the printing surface could be much narrower.

I've printed cat whiskers. Real cat whiskers. Very nice gradation!!!

Gerald

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