RSPCA

Designed to inspire a movement by building a bespoke RSPCA typeface fit for the future, Studio DRAMA started by looking back to move forward: taking inspiration from the organisation’s rich archives.

Wilberforce Sans draws inspiration from the British grotesque typeface classification and other woodblock faces. Stephenson Blake’s Grotesque No.9 was a core inspiration, evoking characterful enclosed terminals and apertures reminiscent of old RSPCA wordmarks and signage.

Wilberforce Sans draws inspiration from the British grotesque typeface classification and other woodblock faces. Stephenson Blake’s Grotesque No.9 was a core inspiration, evoking characterful enclosed terminals and apertures reminiscent of old RSPCA wordmarks and signage.

RSPCA’s distinctive ‘Octopunct’ holding shape – as featured in the previous iteration of the brand’s wordmark – has been retained as a versatile framing device by JKR in the wider brand world, helping to navigate complex issues and highlight the organisation’s call to action. This idea weaved its way into the typeface’s punctuation styling and letterforms, too.

Unique ligatures create a sense of connection between every person and animal associated with the RSPCA, an important part of the brief which reflects the organisation’s focus on connecting society to care for every animal.

We deemed it essential to honour the origins of the typeface. Thus, we commissioned a set of woodblock type, crafted to serve as cherished mementoes for both JKR and client teams. Developed in collaboration with Type High Design, these blocks facilitate a deliberate, hands-on expression of the typeface.