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?

The Stourbridge canal showcases a rich variety of traditional narrow boat sign writing, a craft informed by historical methods and period styles in order to create bespoke artefacts with individuality and character. The Black Country has a small community of UK leading boat painters (Phil Speight and Meg Gregory) who support conservation-based projects including vintage vehicles, period houses, traditional shops, and historic working boats. Their practice also includes traditional sign writing across contemporary applications including murals, film and theatre sets, shop signage, and other decorative ware (see fig 7). This contributes an overarching “feeling of individuality and warmth” to the local vernacular through the human process and organic qualities of sign writing.

Location

Stourbridge Canal Towpath, Stourbridge, UK