Typographic Jazz
Jack Stauffacher in his studio | Photo: Letterform Archive
Recently, I had the chance to return to the Letterform Archive and attend the reception of their latest exhibition, which showcased the work of Bay Area printer Jack Stauffacher. Titled "Typographic Jazz: The Monoprints of Jack Stauffacher," the exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into Stauffacher's innovative approach to letterpress and typography.
For those not familiar with Jack Stauffacher (1920-2017), he was a self-taught printer, book designer, and typographer who at the age of 16, founded his own printing press. His early love for traditional printing techniques grew after he received a scholarship to study in Europe, where he was influenced by modernists such as Jan Tschichold, Armin Hofmann, László Moholy-Nagy, and Hermann Zapf. Back in the U.S., Stauffacher taught at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the San Francisco Art Institute and also served as typographic director at Stanford University Press leaving a lasting impact on the design community through both his teaching and his art.
Only on Saturday (Regular Edition) published by Letterform Archive | Image: Letterform Archive
In 1966, Stauffacher received a box of discarded wood type, which he began experimenting with in his free time. This playful experimentation with mismatched letterforms led to the unique and expressive prints featured in ‘Typographic Jazz’. The exhibition showcases his technical skills and the significant influence he had on the world of art and design, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of conventional printing methods.
Additionally, the Letterform Archive published a book about Jack Stauffacher titled Only on Saturday. Designed and edited by graphic designer Chuck Byrne, the book explores Stauffacher’s life and work, featuring essays, personal anecdotes, and a rich collection of his typographic explorations. The title reflects his habit of dedicating Saturdays to his most experimental projects using his old set of wooded letters.
Attending the exhibition allowed me to experience Stauffacher's depth and creativity firsthand. The exhibition beautifully showcases his innovative spirit and influence on typography, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in design and the art of the letterpress.
The exhibition runs January 27 – June 9, 2024.
The set of discarded wood type that was given to Stauffacher.