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BB Modern

BB Modern is both a reference and a shortened ode to its original source of a Barnhardt Bros & Spindlers’ 1868 specimen catalog. This original source, an ungainly, super condensed Scotch Roman, was the first point of reference for BB’s most condensed width.
Its unique angular diamond round forms, such as «O», are overly exaggerated and amplified throughout the widths. Indented notched ink-traps in forms such as «M» and «n» apply a contemporary lens to the type family.
Variable Font Technology allowed the merging of the XX (extra extra) Condensed and Modern Roman to create a flexible type family that can be utilized as both a Display and Text typeface, traversing through the family's widths from the Proportional Regular to XX (extra extra) Condensed style.
BB Modern is available in a single weight — Regular — across five widths from XX (extra extra) Condensed to Normal. It is open to licensing in both Standard (‘STD’) and Professional (‘PRO’) versions. The latter contains numerous OpenType features and stylistic alternates.
Version
1.001
Designer
Colophon Foundry
Release
2022
Category
Serif
Pairings
BURGESS COIGN
Specimen