Typophile

How would you use the alternate g's in the Bulfinch metal type font?

BarbHauser

Hello Typophiles. I am a hobby printer who works mostly with metal type. I'm hoping you can offer some helpful comments on the use of the two lowercase g's that came with a font of Bulfinch Oldstyle. This face was designed in 1903 by William Martin Johnson for use in the Ladies' Home Journal. Although I think it was used mostly for heads, it was cast in sizes all the way down to 6 points. I'm using 18-point Bulfinch to set a short text block, and I'm not sure whether to use only one of the g's (and if so which one), or whether to use both (and if so how to determine which to use where). Thanks for your comments!

Barbara

Bob Evans

Use only one and pick the one that fits the content of your text block - the second g being more "modern" and adventuresome. I like the face and did a digital version for my own use a few years ago - I used the second g for my basic version default.

BarbHauser

Thanks Bob -- I think! The only worry I have about my Bulfinch project is that it's too sentimental, so now I don't know whether the sassy second g would mollify or clash with it. Structurally it's more closely related to the other letters, especially, say, the c. But of all the lowercase letters, it draws the most attention to itself and might make the face appear too look-at-me. Still deciding! ~Barbara

Bob Evans

Sounds like the first more conventional g is the best for your use.

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