Page 63 - Studio International - September 1968

Universal typeface designed by
Herbert Bayer 1923

Bauhaus minimal typeface in which all letters were
built out of a few selected arcs and straight lines. This
universal face rather overshadowed an interesting
stencil face designed by Albers out of only three basic
shapes. This search for directness and economy of
means, in which the latter is admired as an end in itself
rather more than as a true anonymous medium, might
be described as the official Bauhaus line.
Parallel to this and complementing it was the free
graphic activity of the carnivals, festivals, Bauhaus
theatre and parties. In time these extra-curricular
activities, showing strong Dada and surrealist influences
were to have as much influence on the work of the
ex-Bauhausler in the wider world than any other. They
reflect the curious dual personality of the Bauhaus which
could employ a teacher like Klee while proclaiming
that the environment as a total work of art would
eliminate conventional picture making.

Jacket design, Moholy-Nagy, 1920