The Face of a Nation

Garth Walker

Following South Africa's 1994 democratic elections, the Government initiated the construction of a new Constitutional Court building with associated Chambers, Library and Research Centre on Constitution Hill in central Johannesburg. The architects commissioned a bespoke typeface for use in all internal and external wayfinding. The font is an accurate interpretation of lettering as documented on site: a combination of Apartheid prisoner graffiti, prison authority lettering, and vernacular signage

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    Garth Walker, South Africa (2002)

    From documenting local vernacular design, to publishing the acclaimed experimental design magazine ijusi, to designing the official typeface for the country’s Constitutional Court, Garth has had significant impact on the...

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    • The Face of a Nation, 2003

      9 items, Type Design

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    Following South Africa's 1994 democratic elections, the Government initiated the construction of a new Constitutional Court building with associated Chambers, Library and Research Centre on Constitution Hill in central Johannesburg. The architects commissioned a bespoke typeface for use in all internal and external wayfinding. The font is an accurate interpretation of lettering as documented on site: a combination of Apartheid prisoner graffiti, prison authority lettering, and vernacular signage

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    • Constitutional Court of South Africa
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    • Typeface
    Garth Walker, South Africa (2002)

    From documenting local vernacular design, to publishing the acclaimed experimental design magazine ijusi, to designing the official typeface for the country’s Constitutional Court, Garth has had significant impact on the South African creative world over the last 40 years. He has had a lifelong interest in art and sought out first-hand experience of exhibitions and galleries worldwide. Additionally, his personal graphic design and photographic work is represented in numerous international collections, libraries and/or exhibitions. Garth’s ‘day job’ is designing for most of South Africa’s best known corporate and consumer brands.

    Agencies

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    • Graphite

      1978 – 1993

    • Orange Juice

      1994 – 2007

    • Mister Walker

      2007 – To date