BlackFoundry

[Storytime] Blackletter, often referred to as Gothic, encompasses a vast array of variations within its style. Known for its thick, dark strokes contrasted with thinner areas, Blackletter is recognizable to many. But where did it originate? Let’s delve into its history. Blackletter typography traces its origins back to 12th-century France. However, it gained widespread use in Germany, thanks to Gutenberg, who utilized it extensively for Biblical texts. This typeface was particularly popular in Northern Europe. Elsewhere in Europe, people reverted to the Roman style, gradually abandoning Blackletter. However, Germanic provinces continued its use. Martin Luther distinguished Protestant scripture from Catholic ones by opting for Gothic scripts, while Catholics used Roman scripts. This contrast highlighted the opposition between the two styles, a distinction that persisted through history. Eventually, Blackletter evolved into a symbol of nationalism. During the Third Reich, the Blackletter style Fraktur, once used by Gutenberg for his 15th-century Bibles, was adopted for Nazi communications. Hitler even used it for his book Mein Kampf. Later, he switched to a Roman typeface, claiming that Blackletter had Jewish origins. The Roman typeface, being popular outside Germany, was chosen to help spread his propaganda globally. This led to Blackletter falling out of favor due to its negative associations. Now, let's fast forward to the 1970s. Enter Black Sabbath, the pioneers of heavy metal. These guys were all about pushing boundaries and shocking the establishment. So what better way to do that than by using a Blackletter style for their album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath? The moment you see that album cover, you know you’re in for something intense and rebellious. It was like a visual mic drop. For a genre that thrives on provocation, Blackletter was the perfect choice to grab attention and make a statement. It’s as if they were saying, “We’re here, we’re loud, and we’re not following your rules!” West Coast gangsters also adopted Blackletter, aligning provocative lyrics with equally provocative visuals. This strategic use of Blackletter enhanced their messages' impact. Nowadays, tattoo artists and various controversial movements use Blackletter to empower their communication. While there is much more to learn about this style, this overview provides a glimpse into how influential a typeface can be. The choice of a font, combined with an understanding of its historical context, can lend credibility and depth to your visuals. (Thank you Elspeth Michaels, for your insightful article in The Drip in 2022, which provided such valuable information. 🖤 )