Vtg Stencil France No. 3

The Bold French Type

The Vtg Stencil fonts from astype are based on real-world stencils from several countries. In the case of French stencils the challenge was special, because of the varieties of different widths and weights between the stencil sets — so I made France No. 1, No. 3 and No. 5.

Vtg Stencil France No.3 is the boldest of the French stencil fonts in our collection.

The most unique and eye-catching elements of typical French stencils are the figures 1, 2, 3, 7, and specially 5. The figure 5 changes in style on smaller stencil sizes, its bobble getting replaced by something like a “breve”. The letters J and Q can differ in style too. Lowercase letter sets are rare finds but were produced and still exist. In very old stencils sets and on custom stencil signs you will find even more varieties.

While local stencil lettering styles are vanishing in many countries, certain regions in France, like Normandy and Brittany, still embrace and actively use these stencils. Originally designed for technical lettering, they have found new applications in ads and information signs with an artistic or patriotic flair, thanks to their captivating graphic qualities. The contrasting design, bold shapes and elegant curves enchant us now as then.

Artists such as Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, during their cubist period, along with the renowned architect Le Corbusier, used French stencil letters in their paintings and drawings, making them an iconic symbol of French design and taste worldwide.