If you've previously read Paris Parfait, you're no doubt aware of my obsession for typefaces and fonts. I could happily live in a typeface foundry, with an abundance of old printers' tables and trays filled with metal type; the pungent aroma of printer's ink in the air.
It probably has something to do with my newspaper background, cemented with my first visit to the Putlizer-Prize winning newspaper the Arkansas Gazette, where I watched freshly-printed newspapers fly off the press.
Sadly, the Gazette was bought by Gannett Newspapers, whose inept management proved the demise of the "oldest newspaper west of the Mississippi." Bill Clinton then ran his 1992 presidential campaign from the Gazette's elegant office building.
Alas, those days are over, both for newspapers and for typeface foundries. Today typeface design is more high-tech, once initial graphic design stages are complete. But the wooden letters or metal type blocks remain. I often buy them at brocantes or flea markets.
Last month I sold some huge zinc letters, worried I'd never find a proper place for them (plus, they were taking up a lot of space). But a few favourites remain, including a 1920s French cherry-picker's basket of assorted wooden letters (pictured). I also have three giant red metal letters spelling the word "ART" and four big wooden letters from a French restaurant that I alternate to spell "DARE" or "READ."
Last year when my lovely friend Di Overton referred me to Kent & London and their beautiful oak alphabet drawers, I fell head over heels. Even a waiting list didn't deter my enthusiasm. Recently Kent & London's charming owner and master craftsman Luke Ellis (aided by his friend Lloyd Hobbard-Mitchell) actually hand-delivered the chest, driving from Whistable, England to Paris! Such superb service, plus I got to hear Luke talk about his inspiration for the alphabet drawers and its rich patina resembling old typeface letters.
Meanwhile Lloyd is about to abandon his life in England in favor of rather exotic diving adventures in Egypt and Spain. I'm looking forward to following his exploits in his new blog The Meandering Gullbad Nogbee.
I'm using Kent & London's photograph for this post, as due to space constraints, the chest is temporarily in a back room; not exactly the proper setting. Am planning to giving it pride of place in Amsterdam. The alphabet drawers are perfect for holding photography equipment and photo cds. Thank you, Luke (and to my dear husband, who graciously considered the alphabet drawers as my Valentine's present).
Kent & London's hand-crafted alphabet drawers.
I finally got my tin R down to Riverside. It is hanging on the wall and I love it! xoxo
Posted by: Rosa | 26 February 2010 at 02:06
The article is a good one. Thanks for the mention and link Tara. All the very best, Lloyd (Gullbad)
Posted by: Lloyd Hobbard-Mitchell | 24 February 2010 at 21:09
Fantastic!!! He knows your heART!
Posted by: Stephanie | 22 February 2010 at 23:10
Go, David! That's beautiful -- and so perfect! I think there is a small (but significant) group of us who share your passion for type fonts. They are beautiful and -- at least in terms of the metal type -- a lost art. Loved this post!
Posted by: jeanie | 22 February 2010 at 18:52
I can't tell you how HAPPY this makes me. I am dying to see it in the flesh - It will be May, I think.
Posted by: Di Overton | 22 February 2010 at 18:03
What a perfect gift!
Posted by: Mary H. | 22 February 2010 at 14:36
I'm greener than Kermit! They are so totally beautiful, totally! Drawers, cabinets, anything timber is my want. With letters I could ... faint is being too dramatic but WANT says it for me. The story of them coming to you is gorgeous as well as the thoughtfullness of your gift. Enjoy forever gorgeous Tara. xo.
Posted by: Cherie | 22 February 2010 at 12:50
that is absolutely gorgeous!! i love typecases and blocks too. i grew up in a newspaper family and my dad actually still printed on the old linotype when i was a kid, and he still has the drawers and the press for that matter, tho' it's over in a local museum. i have some baskets of letters from his collection as well. they're some of my favorite treasures.
Posted by: julochka | 22 February 2010 at 09:49
i love this. i am over here shaking my head, 'cause these are too cool!
xo
Posted by: christina | 22 February 2010 at 00:08
What a perfect gift for YOU! A generous gift from your husband and what great service having it hand delivered by someone who shares your passion for these things. :)
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian soon to be in Petra! | 21 February 2010 at 22:43
That is gorgeous!
Posted by: georgie | 21 February 2010 at 22:37
I'm with you - crazy about letters, fonts, serifs, ascenders, descenders...excuse me, I just got lost in the world of typography again. Wonderful post - great letter drawer!
Posted by: dutchbaby | 21 February 2010 at 21:36
Beautiful!
Posted by: Di | 21 February 2010 at 19:09
Alphabet drawers?!?! Utterly delicious! I haven't commented in a while but have been enjoying following your adventures and photography the last couple of months, so very much! Just wanted you to know...
Posted by: elsie | 21 February 2010 at 18:16
What a very special Valentine gift. Love the alphabet drawers, which I know you will treasure.
Posted by: Marilyn | 21 February 2010 at 17:43
Love the alphabet drawers - they are wonderful!
Where do you find letter blocks in Paris? At Clignancourt or Vanves?
Posted by: Diogenes | 21 February 2010 at 17:03
You have a wonderful blog :)
And these drawers are fantastic
Posted by: Christine | 21 February 2010 at 16:41
Absolutely to die for. You will love this forever!!!
Posted by: Natalie | 21 February 2010 at 15:20
REALLY, REALLY wonderful! We share your love of letters and love of wood. What a wonderful Valentine's Day gift!
Posted by: Helen | 21 February 2010 at 15:12