Geotype Submission

The Geotype project charts the rich history of lettering and type forms that have established the identity of cities and towns around the world. Explore the map

How does this letter-form communicate its location?

Traditional serif letterforms are cast in raised metal on this Turnpike Trust milestone marker, reflective of the style of type in the 19th century when this was created. The text is painted white to help it stand out from the black marker, but it is still quite small, low to the ground and not easily visible at a distance, as it wouldn’t have needed to be read at speed like road signs today. It shows Bristols historical importance as a location to pass through, but its degregated and graffitied current state also shows a lack of interest in its historical value in this area.

Location

1 Summers Road, St Werburgh’s, Bristol BS2 9RT, UK