An Exploration of Hong Kong Type Design

This lecture will encompass two type design and research projects: Hong Kong Beiwei Zansyu and Hong Kong Type.

"Hong Kong Beiwei Zansyu" refers to one of the most popular and significant calligraphy styles in Hong Kong with numerous applications on the street and daily life, like shop signs dating back to the 1950s. Its history can even be traced to the Southern and Northern dynasty (420–589).

"Hong Kong Type" is a Chinese metal type designed by Samuel Dyer from the London Missionary Society of the 19th century. The production was conducted in Hong Kong Anglo-Chinese College from 1847–1857 and was considered to be the most beautiful Chinese type in that era.

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum showcased Hong Kong Type No. 4 during its 2020-2021 "Between the Lines" exhibition for which Adonian Chan designed a typeface based on Hong Kong Type. The redesign of Hong Kong Type explores how ancient design inspires the design of today.

This and all Letterform Lectures are a public aspect of the Type West postgraduate certificate program. Register to attend remotely.