Mellan kast och press hos Nordisk Rotogravyr 1923–1959

Beskrivning

Nordisk Rotogravyr, Stockholm, Sweden. 1960. Large 4to (33 x 25 cm). Introduction, 20 pages, by Sten G. Lindberg: ‘Anders Billow Typograf och ekonom’, followed by 72 card board leaves with mounted plates and printed samples. Green half leather. Spine, back and front cover lettered in gilt. Printed card covers. Spine slightly rubbed. From a numbered edition of 1000 pieces, this is number 18. Typography by Anders Billow (1890–1964) and Eva Tengbom. Binding composed by Eva Billow, the wife of Anders Billow, and one of the most influential women in Swedish printing history. Text in Swedish. ”Billow stands out as the most important typographer in Sweden of the 20th century.” (Swedish Books 1280-1967, no. 89).

This work describes Billow’s graphic production at Nordisk Rotogravyr from 1923 to 1959. An introductory text by book historian Sten G. Lindberg highlights Billow’s significance for Swedish typography, particularly how functional typography gradually came to influence Swedish book art and graphic design.

In 1923, five years after its founding, graphic designer Anders Billow was recruited to printing house Nordisk Rotogravyr in Stockholm. He had previously studied art history in Uppsala in 1909 under Johnny Roosval. Billow later became a pioneer of functionalist layout and typography, introducing new typefaces such as Futura and other grotesques, including in the Swedish Tourist Association’s yearbook from 1932. Initially, Billow’s aesthetics faced criticism, but they have long been considered trendsetting; several of his works are represented in the National Museum. [WP]