Introducing Letterform Archive’s newest gem, “Die Fläche: Design and Lettering of the Vienna Secession, 1902-1911.” This isn’t just any book; it’s a lovingly crafted facsimile reproduction of a design periodical that emerged from one of history’s most captivating art movements, complete with fresh, eye-opening essays and translations that bring its story to life.
Die Fläche (Facsimile Edition): Design and Lettering of the Vienna Secession, 1902–1911, Letterform Archive, 2023 ©
Picture this: It’s 1902, and the Vienna Secession is in full swing. A group of visionaries from the movement, along with the famed Wiener Werkstätte designers and their gifted students, launch “Die Fläche” (which translates to “The Surface” in German). This wasn’t just any magazine; it was a groundbreaking venture into modern graphic design. Over the span of fourteen vibrant issues, featuring contributions from over 100 creators (including a remarkable number of women), Die Fläche shook up the design world with its innovative techniques, pedagogical concepts, and artistic expressions.
Die Fläche had one ambitious mission: to reimagine every facet of modern life, from the tiniest bookmark to the grand urban landscape. It introduced a language of expressive flat design that still resonates with us today, a testament to its enduring influence.
Now, here’s the exciting part: Die Fläche is a treasure trove that’s been hidden from contemporary eyes due to its rarity. Even die-hard “Vienna 1900” enthusiasts couldn’t get their hands on it. But fret not, because Letterform Archive has gone above and beyond to bring you a complete reproduction of Die Fläche. This marks the beginning of Letterform Archive’s facsimile series, and it’s your passport to a world of artistic innovation, presented and contextualized for a broader audience.
Imagine flipping through the book and encountering high-fidelity, full-colour images of Die Fläche’s 200+ pages, all at their original size. You’ll be treated to designs by iconic artists like Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, and Alfred Roller, alongside hidden gems from lesser-known but equally innovative creators. The journey begins with three captivating essays that dive deep into the world of Secessionist designers, creative letterers, and influential women artists who played pivotal roles in shaping Die Fläche. These essays, penned by Diane V. Silverthorne, Dan Reynolds, and Megan Brandow-Faller, offer a fascinating backdrop to understand the publication’s significance. And that’s not all; the book also features translations of six cultural-critical essays by the esteemed Joseph August Lux, originally published in Die Fläche. These essays engage in thought-provoking debates on modern design and its methodologies.
Hardcover $75 | 13 ¼ × 8 ¾ inches | 312 pp + 32 pages on 4 separate 4-panel concertina fold-outs, 350 imgs | ISBN: 9781736863312.
Letterform Archive Books, born in 2015, is more than just a publishing endeavour. It’s a non-profit institution on a mission to preserve and share the rich history of graphic arts. Their publications are a labour of love, drawing from a collection of over 100,000 artefacts. From their archive springs a range of exquisite titles that pay homage to the classics while daring to explore new horizons in design, typography, and lettering. Distributed worldwide by D.A.P. (Distributed Arts Publishers), Letterform Archive Books has produced notable titles such as “Strikethrough: Typography Messages of Protest,” “Bauhaus Typography at 100,” “W. A. Dwiggins: A Life in Design,” “Morla: Design,” and “Only on Saturday: The Wood Type Prints of Jack Stauffacher.”
