Supertype
Supertype is the best source of card founts – which are ideal for the beginner or to top-up existing founts. See other type founders if you're looking for larger quantities or composition matter.
The outfit is run by the chap who previously owned the large commercial ‘Startype’ Foundry, a principal supplier to firms in the North of England in days gone by. His expertise is now pretty much unique. He provides exactly the service small printers require; the quality is first rate, the service is excellent and the prices are extremely modest (often beating second hand items on eBay).
We've recently been asked to remove the contact details from our site (understandably, he's become tired of the sort of silly requests that internet fame can bring you) but contact us and we can put you in touch.
Available Type Faces
Supertype ‘standard’ type faces are listed below. Lots of other faces and sizes are available to special order, at an additional charge.
![]()
Ashley Script 574
14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Bembo Roman 270
8, 10 and 12 pt
![]()
Bembo Italic 270-I
8, 10 and 12 pt
![]()
Dorchester Script 436
14, 18, 24 and 36 pt
![]()
Garamond Roman 156
8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 pt
![]()
Garamond Italic 156-I
8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 pt
![]()
Gill Medium 262
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Gill Medium Italic 262-I
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Gill Bold 275
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Gill Bold Italic 275-I
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Gill Bold Condensed 343
8, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 24 pt
![]()
Gill Bold Titling 317
36 and 48 pt
![]()
Heavy Script 322
14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Imprint Shadow 190
14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Imprint Shadow Italic 190-I
14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Light English Text 456
8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Plantin Roman 110
8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 pt
![]()
Plantin Italic 110-I
8, 10, 12, 14, 18 and 24 pt
![]()
Plate Gothic (Spartan) 140
6 pt and 12 pt bodies, sizes 1, 2, 3 or 4*
![]()
Rockwell Medium 371
8, 10, 12, 14, 18 and 24 pt
![]()
Temple Script 455
12, 14 and 24 pt
![]()
Times Roman 327
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Times Italic 327-I
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18 and 24 pt
![]()
Times Bold 334
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pt
![]()
Univers Medium 689
7 cast on an 8pt body, 9/10pt, 11/12pt, 14/14pt, 18/18pt & 22/24pt**
![]()
Univers Medium Italic 689-I
7 cast on an 8pt body, 9/10pt, 11/12pt, 14/14pt, 18/18pt & 22/24pt**
![]()
Univers Medium Condensed 690
7 cast on an 8pt body, 9/10pt, 11/12pt, 14/14pt, 18/18pt & 22/24pt**
![]()
Univers Medium Expanded 688
8 cast on an 8pt body, 9/10pt, 11/12pt, 18/18pt & 22/24pt**
![]()
Univers Bold 693
7 cast on an 8pt body, 9/10pt, 11/12pt, 14/14pt, 18/18pt & 22/24pt**
![]()
Univers Bold Condensed 694
7 cast on an 8pt body, 9/10pt, 11/12pt, 14/14pt, 18/18pt & 22/24pt**
Also a range of other letterpress materials.
* Almost uniquely for Monotype faces, Plate Gothic (Spartan) is designed to align at the foot so there are four sizes (Number 1, 2, 3 and 4) on either either 6 pt or 12 pt bodies.
** Univers is a type-face from France where they use a different set of measures for type (the Didot system). To cast these faces to work within our Anglo-American point system it sometimes has to be cast on a slightly larger body.
Quantities in a Card Fount
The quantity of type in a card fount is traditionally described by the number of As, with the other letters in relative proportions. The number of letters in Supertype small ‘card’ founts are:
| 3A | 4A | 5A | 6A | 8A | 13A | 40A | |
| E | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 48 |
| A I N O R S T | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 13 | 40 |
| C D H L M U | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 28 |
| B F G P W Y | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 17 |
| J K V | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Q X Z | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
Other manufacturers proportions vary slightly.
You Might Also Like...