In 2011, while tutoring an exercise on Slab Serifs, Josema discovered Robert Thorne’s work for Thorowgood. Specifically, he was fascinated by the extraordinary density of the 6-line Egyptian Pica from 1820-21.
As a simple exercise, he wanted to test the limits of readability within the context of a contemporary alphabet. Rothwood Ultra is the result of this experiment.
As a way of developing the series, he found it interesting to go to the opposite end of the spectrum and discover how to evolve the extra-black Ultra’s DNA into a super lightweight model. The Hairline and Thin styles are her slim sisters.
The third challenge has been the creation of the text version. Light, Book, DemiBold and Bold, including italics and Small Caps close the Rothwood cycle for editorial use.