Recently the AADL acquired 125+ cases of handset lead type from the former Jackson Typesetting Company. In preparation of making this amazing resource available for use in printing at the weekly Letterpress Lab program, we will be pulling proof sheets of each drawer of type.
A proof sheet is a letterpress print which incorporates all the letters from a particular font of type. Project goals are to get an accurate character sort count, and a representation of the physical condition of the type. The proof sheets will also enable the creation of an electronic database containing an accurate character count of all fonts.
Volunteers will select a case of type, clean and remove all type, stand it up on a galley tray in alphabetical order, then pull a few quick proof prints, before resorting the type back into its case. Participants will be able to keep a copy of the proof sheet from their adopted font.
Expected time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours of work per drawer, although this will vary depending on the complexity and size of the font selected. Some very small typefaces may require several sessions to complete their proofs.
This project work will be done during the weekly Letterpress Lab program every Wednesday from 6-8:30pm.
Interested in adopting a font? Just fill out the form at aadl.org/volunteer and mention that you’re interested in the Adopt a Font project.