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Creative Bloq
Creative Bloq
Technology
Tom May

The best typography of the 1940s – our experts take a look back at the decade's most iconic fonts

Spread from the book Futura: The Typeface featuring black and white photo of three men staring at a printout.

The 1940s was a decade shaped by global conflict, post-war reconstruction, and the rise of Modernist ideals. And the typography of the era reflects these dramatic contrasts neatly, with the best typefaces of the 1940s forged between the twin pulls of tradition and forward-thinking.

But looking at the typography trends of the time isn't just an academic exercise; it’s also a resource for modern-day inspiration. Whether you’re creating branding, editorial layouts or experimental art, studying these iconic typefaces offers lessons in design principles and adaptability that remain relevant.

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