Intrigued by "Fraktur" script

[tipstricks]

The German word Fraktur refers to a specific sub-group of blackletter typefaces. The word derives from the past participle fractus (“broken”) of Latin frangere (“to break”). As opposed to Antiqua (common) typefaces, which were modelled after antique Roman square capitals and Carolingian minuscule, the blackletter lines are broken up.

 

The first Fraktur typeface was designed when Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (c. 1493–1519) established a series of books and had a new typeface created specifically for this purpose. Fraktur quickly overtook the earlier Schwabacher and Textualis typefaces in popularity, and a wide variety of Fraktur fonts were carved.

 

Source: wikipedia.

 

A sample copying a calligraphy book test (only lowercase, I still have to study capitals )

broad italic nib; height of characters: 8mm.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/tipstricks/SAtnsDQjlkI/AAAAAAAACak/esxvT8-WgCE/s800/fraktur1.jpg

Edited April 20, 2008 by tipstricks

[punch]

Fraktur is my favorite type face. It is the first German script that I learned to read, and I still prefer reading my German Bible over the moder type face.

[Renzhe]

I much prefer textura. Fraktur's capitals are so different from that of most styles, that they bug me.

[alexanderino]

Very nice, tipstricks

[caliken]

The German word Fraktur refers to a specific sub-group of blackletter typefaces. The word derives from the past participle fractus (“broken”) of Latin frangere (“to break”). As opposed to Antiqua (common) typefaces, which were modelled after antique Roman square capitals and Carolingian minuscule, the blackletter lines are broken up.

 

The first Fraktur typeface was designed when Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (c. 1493–1519) established a series of books and had a new typeface created specifically for this purpose. Fraktur quickly overtook the earlier Schwabacher and Textualis typefaces in popularity, and a wide variety of Fraktur fonts were carved.

 

Source: wikipedia.

 

A sample copying a calligraphy book test (only lowercase, I still have to study capitals )

broad italic nib; height of characters: 8mm.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/tipstricks/SAtnsDQjlkI/AAAAAAAACak/esxvT8-WgCE/s800/fraktur1.jpg

This is nice, clean, script, sharply written with good inter-letter spacing which is not all that easy with a complicated letter form like this.

I look forward to seeing your capitals.

 

caliken

 

[TrevorML]

that is excellent... what pen did you use?

 

also... what book is the text copied from... sounds very interesting

 

cheers T

[Titivillus]

If using Fraktur you really should use the essette [sic] for the 'ss'

 

 

Kurt

Edited April 28, 2008 by Titivillus

[Lozzic]

That example of Fraktur is very well done! Fraktur is one of my favourite scripts, it is the script I myself have been working on the past 2 months or so. I too look forward to seeing some capitals, there is room for quite a lot of variation in Fraktur capitals.

 

If using Fraktur you really should use the essette [sic] for the 'ss'

 

 

Kurt

 

I think that depends really. Yes Fraktur is a German script but that does not mean that an eszett should be used, not unless you are either writing in German or trying to emulate an exclusively German flavour. You must also take in to account the pronunciation that an eszett gives which is 'sz' which may not be appropriate in situations where that is not the case. If you are trying to write in an old style for example the original Fraktur of around the 16th century, you may be better off using a more loose ligature rather than a full blown eszett.

If you are trying to copy the style of the English writing masters (they also used Fraktur extensively) you are probably better of dropping sz ligatures and the eszett all together. It has to be said though that it is really down to authenticity and personal taste.

 

[tipstricks]

that is excellent... what pen did you use?

 

also... what book is the text copied from... sounds very interesting

 

cheers T

 

Thank you all for comments...

The text is from the first page of "The sheaffer handwriting and lettering book" by Tom Gourdie. It was a gift from someone who sold me a fountain pen, a very interesting basics learning.

 

http://www.booksaboutpens.com/covers/sheaffer_handwritingb.jpg

 

I've used a Parker Vector with broad italic nib (from a cheap Parker calligraphy set with fine, medium and broad points). I've found these pens very useful if you have to rotate the nib because they are very thin.

 

Edit: Thanks to Tom Gourdie I've found this stylish capital letters that looks like quite simply and beautiful. Need your suggestion if you like them or not:

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/tipstricks/SBmo0D9nsxI/AAAAAAAACgk/ZOvQKccpPCc/s800/Senza%20titolo-1.jpg

Edited May 1, 2008 by tipstricks

[tipstricks]

And this is the final step of my project: apply cadel flourishing to this script. For a good flourishing a firm hand is needed , mine isn't properly at the moment, but I'm satisfied of this first attempt.

As always, criticisms are welcome.

 

http://lh4.ggpht.com/tipstricks/SBnGsz9nsyI/AAAAAAAACg0/A3uSi-P_aZM/s800/fraktur_script.jpg

[Ed44]

Beautiful work.....

[Songwind]

And this is the final step of my project: apply cadel flourishing to this script. For a good flourishing a firm hand is needed , mine isn't properly at the moment, but I'm satisfied of this first attempt.

As always, criticisms are welcome.

 

The only criticism I could think of was that the flourish on your S makes it look almost like a T, which could be confusing. The sample looks very beautiful and well executed, however.

Edited May 2, 2008 by Songwind

[HDoug]

The cadel flourishes knock me out.

 

Doug

[caliken]

No criticism from me - very well executed. The Cadel flourishing works perfectly with the lettering and enhances it.

Congratulations!

 

[tipstricks]

No criticism from me - very well executed

 

Well, it's simply unbelievable said by you!

 

Many thanks to all.

 

@Songwind: it's possible use an "S" more similar to the minuscule, I'll post an example.

 

[tipstricks]

This is the fraktur alphabet using different type of capitals "S" and "T" from the previous.

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/tipstricks/SBxbTz9ns6I/AAAAAAAACi0/ONL74RR8Z1c/s400/fraktur%20alf.jpg

[Lozzic]

Those Cadel flourishes are very well executed! I find that Cadel flourishes are difficult to exercise effectively and you have done a good job! Being a geometric pattern with all equal spaces it is difficult, especially as they get more complicated, to fit them where you want.

 

I like that second alphabet; it too is also very well done! My only problem there is that the A+B are too similar to the U+V but it is a matter of personal taste.

[SquelchB]

It sort of resembles Chancery Italic. Veeeery cute.

[merzig]

Your examples of Fraktur are great.

 

I first fell in love with calligraphy and writing when, as a 10-year-old, I was taught Fraktur at a Pennsylvania Dutch folk festival. It seems there was a lively tradition of illuminating fraktur "house blessings" and prayers in that region. It was beautiful work, and I've been in love with letters ever since.

 

wikipedia

[tipstricks]

Thank you merzig for your informations, I didn't know anything of this tradition.

 

This is TRULY the final step, using a citation of Franklin D. Roosevelt and some embellishment adds. Hope you like it.

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/tipstricks/SCWUa1N9W5I/AAAAAAAACl0/wrgZTjcCuu8/s800/roosevelt.jpg

Edited May 10, 2008 by tipstricks