Klimo Groceries

Digitization of the original typeface and restoration of the historical sign of the Klimo Groceries store at the SNP Square in Banská Bystrica.

The original store, founded by Ján Móry, was sold to the Klimo family in the 1930s, and shortly after the characteristic signage was added to the facade. Originally Móry cont. Klimo Brothers, later renamed Klimo Brothers and at the end of the 20th century the store’s name changed again to Klimo Groceries, this time with updated design that didn’t follow up on the previous typography. It is one of the oldest preserved names of establishments in Banská Bystrica.

The new signage is based on the original hand-painted lettering. Most likely, the signage was painted by a local signpainter and was not based on any specific typeface, as no similar typeface could be found in specimens of type foundries operating at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The digitization is therefore based on available historical photographs, taking into account the typographical trends of the time and preserving the character of hand-painted lettering. The new sign is manufactured using modern technologies, including backlighting.