Description
This full colour print of uchi’s Typographic Periodic Table of Elements isn’t just a “Periodic Table of Typefaces” done in the widely known used “Periodic Table” style informative graphics, it is the actual Periodic Table of Elements, complete with the elements. However, it also combines typefaces across the ages using the most popular typeface classification system. So, whether you’re a typography geek or a chemistry geek, you can’t fail to be impressed by this interpretation of a classic design element. In my opinion, there’s no point in displaying typographic art using such an iconic (and useful) format just because it looks good, without trying, at least, to do justice to both the Periodic Table design and our love and knowledge of typography. Put it simply, we had to put the work in…
Each style of typeface is defined by their their visual characteristics (stroke contrast, serif shape, etc.) and their historical development or reference. Each group in the Periodic Table holds a different style of typeface and are roughly in date order from top to bottom… except for a few exceptions for aesthetic reasons. For example, Helvetica, which was made in 1957, had to be Hydrogen!
Here’s a list of the different type styles contained in each group on the Periodic Table:
Alkali metals hold Venetian typefaces
Alkaline earth metals hold Old Style typefaces (otherwise known as ‘Garalde’ typefaces).
Grotesque (or sans serif) type can be found in other metals.
Transition metals, aptly hold Transitional (or Neoclassical) typefaces.
Metaloids hold Slab-serif/Egyptian type.
Post transition metals hold ‘Didones‘ (or Modern) class of type.
Halogen gases have Geometric sans serif typefaces whilst the Nobel gases have Humanist sans-serifs.
Lastly, the Lanthanoids and Actinoids elements have a mixture of miscellaneous type styles such as Blackletter, Script and graphic fonts.
Art Print dimensions:
A1 594 x 841mm 23.4 x 33.1 in
A2 420 x 594mm 16.5 x 23.4 in
A3 297 x 420mm 11.7 x 16.5 in
A4 and A3 printed on fine art print on fine art 300 gsm paper.
A2 and A1 printed on fine art print on fine art 190 gsm paper.
