Vtg Stencil France No. 5

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.

France No.5 is the narrowest style with very accentuated letterforms of K and J.

In other countries, local stencil lettering styles are slowly fading away, but in certain regions of France, like Normandy and Brittany, these stencils are still actively utilized to this day. Originally intended for technical lettering, they now find application in ads and information signs with an artistic or patriotic touch, owing to their captivating graphic qualities. The contrasting design with its bold shapes and elegant curves enchants us every time.

French stencil letters were used by artists like Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso who integrated lettering in paintings from their cubist period, and by the famous architect Le Corbusier. Over time, these stencil letters became a globally recognized landmark of French design and French taste.