Dear Sir Madam
Radim Pesko · Radim Pesko · 2011
A calligraphic display type drawn from sign-writing tradition – originally made for exhibition labels in 2011, distributed privately to collaborators, and released publicly in 2023.
About
Dear Sir Madam began as a bespoke typeface for the "Zak Kyes Working With..." exhibition in 2011, sent to contributors as an invitation-only font – which is where the name comes from. The design draws from inscriptional sources: Eric Gill's facia lettering, Johnston's alphabets and E.M. Catich's studies, keeping organic, calligraphic qualities intact by minimising straight lines and embracing inconsistencies rather than correcting them. Roman and Italic styles come with 12 stylistic sets of alternates, giving it real flexibility for editorial and display use.
Classification
Calligraphic display type rooted in sign-writing tradition. References Eric Gill's facia lettering, Edward Johnston's alphabets and E.M. Catich's inscriptional studies. Straight lines are deliberately reduced to preserve an organic, hand-drawn weight. Roman capitals with a humanist, pre-industrial sensibility.