Skip to content

Gravers & Files—The lost art of type punch cutting

Canadian designer Carl Dair’s film on the lost art of type punch cutting. Initiated by Rod McDonald and Sheridan College in Canada, and narrated by Matthew Carter, this 45-minute film was made in 1957 when Carl Dair studied type making under master letter-engraver P. H. Rädisch at the Joh. Enschedé en Zonen Type Foundry in Holland. After Dair’s death, the film was archived for almost 60 years before Carter and McDonald became aware of it and agreed that it was an important part of typographic history and should be restored. 

 

User Feedback

Recommended Comments

Henri-Paul Bronsard

Standard Member

Hello. Tank you very much for this video presentation. This a very rare occasion to have the opportunity to see this wonderfull kind of documentation on punch cutting technics. Also many tanks to Matew Carter to talk generously of his own experience.

It really was a great pleasure to look at this. 

Henri-Paul Bronsard

TypographHer

Standard Member

This documentary is exceptional! Such an insightful and inspiring video. Fantastic to see the process and also to have Carter's point of view.

Smokeproof

Standard Member

Any idea where this video went? No need to post this to the live forum, just trying to find the video.

Looks like it was taking down intentionally without any replacements. You might try contacting Rod McDonald about the reasons and possible plans for the future. 

Apparently the only other way to get the video currently is with this book

Smokeproof

Standard Member

Thanks very much, Ralf!

Create an account or sign in to comment

Important Information

We are placing functional cookies on your device to help make this website better.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.