Sylvan Type Works’ goal is to manufacture type in wood for both printers and collectors. Currently, all type is cut from Rock Maple. If you would like to discuss any of the activities described here, please contact us.

Contemporary typefaces

The main work of the shop is the manufacture of contemporary typefaces - an activity in keeping with the commercial history of wood type. We commission new designs, adapt existing ones (under licence), and are open to suggestions.

Historical typefaces

Because of the expense involved in manufacturing complete founts, historical typefaces are made to order rather than prospectively. However, once a typeface has been cut it is a simple matter to recut it.

Catchwords, ornaments, flourishes and other historical embellishments will be available.

Exploratory projects

We are happy to consider and undertake, by commission or in collaboration, work which is sympathetic to the spirit of wood type.

Fulfilment, replacement and repair

Individual sorts can be cut to fulfil short founts, missing characters can be replaced and damaged bodies can be repaired.

Other activities

Recognising the high price of solid timber founts, we are experimenting with an alternative, fortified timber substrate that will be more affordable than traditional side- and end-grain timber but will print with equal fidelity.

 ... and who we are

Sylvan Type Works is operated by Nicholas Summers of Plum Letterpress, with occasional help from Sue Anderson of Impediment Press.