Lorna Quinn

she/her

Colum Cille: The era of (inter)nationalist typography, 1890–1960

Exploring themes of nationhood, identity and typography through the lens of Colum Cille by Colm O'Lochlainn, the Turkish alphabet reforms provides a wider context to situate the tale of Colum Cille.

Born William Gerard O'Loughlin, he spent his life in the service of Irish culture and music. A printer, designer and revolutionary, O'Lochlainn was a key member of the IRB, founded and ran the Three Candles Press, and was instrumental in the foundation of An Óige. His designs for Colum Cille, a semi-uncial inspired typeface were cast by the Monotype Corporation under the gaze of Stanley Morison.

This research provides a new look at O'Lochlainn's work from a broader European perspective, and traces the life of both the designer and the design.

Case of 12pt *Colum Cill*.

Case of 12pt Colum Cill.

Colmcille Regular Pro. by Dara O'Lochlainn.

Colmcille Regular Pro. by Dara O'Lochlainn.

12pt Uppercase *Colum Cille*, Distiller's Press.

12pt Uppercase Colum Cille, Distiller's Press.

Colm O'Lochlainn

Colm O'Lochlainn

Handset 14pt. *Colum Cille* by Wild Apple Press.

Handset 14pt. Colum Cille by Wild Apple Press.

Handset 14pt. *Colum Cille* by Wild Apple Press.

Handset 14pt. Colum Cille by Wild Apple Press.

*Colmcille the Scribe*, set by Wild Apple Press.

Colmcille the Scribe, set by Wild Apple Press.