Preserving typographic cultural heritage using contemporary digital technology

Abstract The digitisation of an old inscription, lettering, calligraphy or handmade typography (i.e. metal or wood typeface) represents an important procedure for the permanence of cultural heritage. It can contribute to the national awareness, local economy or even add international recognition. The old typography from the 19th century used by the prominent Slovenian printer Jožef Blaznik was analysed. It was digitised with some optimisations for contemporary use. Moreover, its usability was tested, since this typeface had an important contribution to the use and preservation of the Slovenian language by means of advanced printing technology and high quality of the work. In order to study the differences among various typefaces, the digitised typeface was compared with the other two widely used in printed publications. The influence of type size, substrate and digital printing (NIP) technology on legibility and preserved information was compared by analysing chemical, physical and colorimetric properties of the paper and prints, along with the typographic properties and legibility testing, using standard methods and the unconventional non-invasive testing methods, e.g. image analysis. The results show that the digitisation of old typography from the 19th century was an appropriate method, and that it is necessary to consider the chosen typeface and its size to ensure information permanence and legibility of a text. The selected (Blaznic) typeface could be used in printed publications, still ensuring satisfied legibility. Furthermore, information permanence was satisfactory even when this typeface was used in small type sizes. Therefore, the Blaznic typeface could be recommended even today for the use in different graphic design solutions.