Type Up

Think of fonts as clothes for words. While you may have a favourite hat or preferred label, choice clothes is about being appropriate to the environment. So too with type, meaning there can be no worst or best typeface—not even Comic Sans (or Baskerville).

Type Up is an exploration of city centre typography, lettering, shop signs, ghosts signs and the visual communication that together communicates the many facets of Birmingham's character. Sometimes it is astonishing (mosaics, V-cuts into stone, beautifully hand-rendered lettering) it is frequently funny and occasionally compromised by upside-down letters, misspellings and hilariously inappropriate typefaces. This is an affectionate look at the evolution of city type.

Uniquely amongst Still Walking's 13-year legacy of guided tours, Type Up has no scheduled end and will continue exploring (with rest breaks) while type-hungry attendees are still gathered.

Footwear suitable for urban walking and weather-appropriate clothing is essential.

Accessible

Type Up is generously sponsored by Baskerville House and the letters N and Q.

Please see the Walk Info page to get the best out of the event.