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Waldemar Zachrisson och idealboken : diskussionerna om den typografiska estetiken i Sverige 1893–1923

Benjaminsson, Stefan LU (2021) BBHK02 20202
Division of Book History
Abstract
This essay examines the typographic discussions in Sweden around the turn of the 20th century. The focus lies on Gothenburg-based printer Waldemar Zachrisson, a driving force in these matters. The starting-point of the study is the industrialization of the printing in the 19th century, when printing changed from being a craft to being a largely mechanical process. Several voices from the turn of the 20th century criticized this development, and thought the loss of the craft in favor of a mechanical production meant a decline of the printing art; a decline that manifested itself in the mixing of styles, and in a general ignorance of what a well-made book ought to look like.
In Sweden, Waldemar Zachrisson was inspired by the English printer... (More)
This essay examines the typographic discussions in Sweden around the turn of the 20th century. The focus lies on Gothenburg-based printer Waldemar Zachrisson, a driving force in these matters. The starting-point of the study is the industrialization of the printing in the 19th century, when printing changed from being a craft to being a largely mechanical process. Several voices from the turn of the 20th century criticized this development, and thought the loss of the craft in favor of a mechanical production meant a decline of the printing art; a decline that manifested itself in the mixing of styles, and in a general ignorance of what a well-made book ought to look like.
In Sweden, Waldemar Zachrisson was inspired by the English printer William Morris, and introduced his work to the Swedish professional circles of printing. Between 1893 and 1923, typography and printing were discussed extensively in professional circles, and printers actively sought a typographic aesthetic relating to their time. Some central themes in the discussions emerge: the need for the development of a vocational school, the desire to print in a modern way, and the desire to develop a national style. The most animated discussions concern whether to start from the 16th century printing principles, or from its printing practice. The so-called “Initial battle” is an excellent example of this.
At the point in time which marks the end of this study, industrial practice in the profession had been accepted, but the importance of good aesthetics was emphasized. (Less)
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author
Benjaminsson, Stefan LU
supervisor
organization
course
BBHK02 20202
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Arts- and Crafts, Book printing, Sweden, Typography, Waldemar Zachrisson, typografi, Sverige, boktryck
language
Swedish
id
9057648
date added to LUP
2021-07-02 08:11:23
date last changed
2021-07-02 08:11:23
@misc{9057648,
  abstract     = {{This essay examines the typographic discussions in Sweden around the turn of the 20th century. The focus lies on Gothenburg-based printer Waldemar Zachrisson, a driving force in these matters. The starting-point of the study is the industrialization of the printing in the 19th century, when printing changed from being a craft to being a largely mechanical process. Several voices from the turn of the 20th century criticized this development, and thought the loss of the craft in favor of a mechanical production meant a decline of the printing art; a decline that manifested itself in the mixing of styles, and in a general ignorance of what a well-made book ought to look like.
In Sweden, Waldemar Zachrisson was inspired by the English printer William Morris, and introduced his work to the Swedish professional circles of printing. Between 1893 and 1923, typography and printing were discussed extensively in professional circles, and printers actively sought a typographic aesthetic relating to their time. Some central themes in the discussions emerge: the need for the development of a vocational school, the desire to print in a modern way, and the desire to develop a national style. The most animated discussions concern whether to start from the 16th century printing principles, or from its printing practice. The so-called “Initial battle” is an excellent example of this.
At the point in time which marks the end of this study, industrial practice in the profession had been accepted, but the importance of good aesthetics was emphasized.}},
  author       = {{Benjaminsson, Stefan}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Waldemar Zachrisson och idealboken : diskussionerna om den typografiska estetiken i Sverige 1893–1923}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}