3. &1929
Monotype
In the early part of this century, the designers in the Monotype drawing office used
antique books and specimen material set with Aldus’ original fonts as the foundation for
their revival of the Bembo type. The italic proved to be a significant challenge. Aldus’
Bembo had no italic designs, so the Monotype design staff created a new italic based on the
works of Giovanni Tagliente, a 16th century writing master.
In the 1980s, Monotype produced a faithful digital rendition of their original metal
revival. The staff designers also added Semi Bold and Extra Bold weights to the family.
As a result, this exceptionally important and wonderfully powerful communication tool is
available as PostScript, TrueType and fully functional OpenType fonts. Today, a 500-year
legacy of great typeface design continues.
Stanley Morison
The history of Bembo originates in Venice, an important typographic center in fifteenth
and sixteenth century Europe. Many printers established businesses in Venice at this time,
but none so significant as Aldus Manutius. Late in the fifteenth century, Aldus published
a relatively insignificant essay by the Italian scholar Pietro Bembo. The type used for the
text was a new design commissioned by Aldus and cut by Francesco Griffo, a goldsmith
turned punch-cutter. Griffo’s design was lighter and more harmonious in weight than
earlier romans. Text set in the face was also more inviting and easier to read than previous
designs. Three years later, the basic font was enhanced by the introduction of a suite of
corresponding capital letters. (Capitals were pulled from other fonts prior to the release
of these new designs.)
Francesco Griffo
Aldus Manutius
1495
5. Latin Loversmall x-height
oblique stress
short, bracketed serifs
with cupped bases
angled top serifs on
lower case letters
lasciate che vi mostri alcuni
dei miei migliori attributi
(Darling, let me show you some of my best attributes)
Cara mia,
double-storey a
Bembo Book Bold Bembo Book Bold Italic
9. Designer: Flora Cruells Benzal Degree: MFA Class: Type Composition Instructor: Andrew Loesel
Established in 1929, the Academy of Art University is the largest private
school of art and design in the country. Located in downtown San Francisco,
the university believes that established artists and designers are best at training
the next generation of professionals. The school’s highly regarded Graphic
Design program maintains an international student body that has won numer-
ous student design awards. The program enjoys a strategic partnership with
Monotype Imaging, which provides students with scholarship funds as well as
numerous other opportunities.
Monotype Imaging is a multifaceted enterprise that combines technology
with design to help the world communicate. The company has more than
150 years of experience serving the typographic needs of the design industry.
As one of the most established type foundries in the world, Monotype offers
a myriad of typefaces through its designer-focused portal, www. fonts.com.
