Stencil was a moveable immoveable form of typesetting. In the early 1900’s, S.G. Monce Inc. manufactured the IMPROVED INTERCHANGEABLE “LOCK” STENCIL set with complete set of capital letters, numbers,and more. The only thing that’s old fashioned about this set is, that it was made in the early 1900s. Otherwise, it’s as viable today as it ever was, and even more durable than some systems today. Here’s the artifact. Long Live the Stencil!
Stencil will be the next title in the series that includes Shadow Type and Scripts by Steven Heller and Louise Fili (Thames and Hudson). Watch for it.
Additional ResourceFor a further study into type, pick up The Ultimate Typography Collection for Designers, which includes workshops, an e-book and much more.
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About Steven Heller
Steven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →