For more than 20 years, from “Aldine Roman”, “Drupa” or “Mauritius”, the “Trump Mediaeval” font changed names, survived wars, technological revolutions and market fluctuations. The story of this font is criss-crossed with the evolution of typography. Trump Mediaeval is contemporary with the Palatino font. Even though it didn’t make such a breakthrough it remains nonetheless a real milestone in the evolution of Latin fonts.
Trump and Weber During many years, Trump works hand in hand with Görwitz from the Weber foundry. He’s actually their exclusive typographer. This is where he will give light to all of his fonts, such as City, Shadow or Delphin. (As a kind reminder, foundries were the place were background remove service typographies were created, for many centuries.) The foundry’s building is miraculously saved from destruction during World War II unlike many of its competitors. Reopened right after the end of the war, it still lacks of skilled labour force, especially of punchcutters, forcing Trump to delay his creations.
His Shadow-Antiqua font, created in 19942, has to wait 5 more years before finally being cut! Punchcutters : hand designing letters Back then, letter punches were cut and hand crafted in steel by punchcutters. Based on the drawn letters of the type designer, the punchcutter would transfer the letter outline on a steel piece and carve it by hand. This minute cutting method would require much skilled craft and patience, leading to variations in the original font design. The punchcutter would often add his touch -willingly or not- to the great displeasure of the designer.
