The thesis aimed to analyze the typographic ornaments, vectorize the selected forms, create a set of patterns, produce wooden printing modules, and print a series of graphics using the letterpress printing technique. The printed graphics are considered to be a representative summary of the thesis and identified as a main goal.
In the theoretical part, a broad overview of the themes and key concepts laid the foundations for the practical part. We covered the subjects of letterpress printing, typography, and typographic measurement systems. We looked at typographic ornaments in a sense of their production methods and delved into the field of modular patterns. We touched on the conflicting views on decoration and presented the art theory of aesthetics in the context of the psychology in ornamental art. In the practical part, we followed the theoretical guidelines and focused on William Caslon’s typographic ornaments in The Manual of Linotype Typography. The three selected ornaments have been transformed into the vector curves. Based on the principles of forming the modular patterns, we have developed a set of patterns. This step was followed by the laser engraving of the wooden stamps, while in the final step, the letterpress printing of the graphics took place.
The thesis forms a new perspective on the external perception of the aesthetic and decorative role of ornamental patterns. It presents the technical requirements and serves as a reminder. The awareness of the origins, background, and foundations is crucial. When interacting with decorative elements, it is often easy to forget the essence. We almost superficially evaluate solely from a visual point of view. The Master’s thesis contributes to the professional field mainly from the perspective of preserving the typographic and printing cultural heritage, reviving and enriching traditional approaches, and establishing a clear link between the digital and analog worlds.
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