FF Zapata

FF Zapata is based on various historic models of wide slabserif, or "antique" typefaces. There used to be many uses for typefaces like these. From large posters to fine print, the slabserifs were quite prolific. Every foundry and every printing house used to have some sort of Antique collection.

For some reason, the collections were never complete. Either because the typefaces just took up too much space in the printing office, or because the foundry thought not all characters would be used in all sizes. That means there aren't any definitive original designs for the basic characters. Every antique was another interpretation. In the same tradition, FF Zapata is an antique, but not a digitisation of one particular version.

The rational and frugal printers started worrying about the amounts of papers, and shelved full of metal: narrow sans serif typefaces became the rule. Tons of type were destroyed and many designs did not make into newer typesetting machines. Yet the typographic possibilities of very wide and sturdy type are still as interesting as they were in their grand and glorious past. FF Zapata offers some that ninetheenth century typography. The typeface is named after a county in Texas, just because there aren't that many typefaces starting with Z, this one will have more room, because it needs the room.

FF Zapata is an ideal typeface for filling pages if you don't have much to say, or it can be very loud if you have a point to make. Ideal for consumer information leaflets and electrical equipment safety manuals. Also a great choice for fine print on insurance policies and employment contracts.