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?

This stone cenotaph memorial displays engraved names of the missing or deceased from the first and second world wars, unveiled in 1919. The type on this piece is visually clear although the stone is showing signs of weathering and places of efflorescence. I have done some research on this particular style of lettering; and discovered Max Gill was commissioned to design the alphabet used on headstones and memorials (of the Imperial War Graves Commission) in 1918. The lettering is visually similar to Gill’s Roman inscriptions, most notably the letter a’s left tilting head serif and letter w’s central crossed apex.

Location

High Street, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes MK17 8SD, UK