Store Norske Nora - Geometric modular typeface based on Nora Gulbrandsen's playful 1930s alphabet.

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About

Store Norske Nora is a reinterpretation and expansion of the lettering alphabet originally developed by industrial designer Nora Gulbrandsen (1894–1978). Gulbrandsen is recognised for her modernist contributions to Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik during the 1930s, where she served as chief designer from 1929 to 1945. She characterised her approach as ‘formlek’, which refers to playful experimentation with forms, in contrast to strict functionalism. Gulbrandsen was appointed during a period when Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik sought significant renewal, and her leadership resulted in a comprehensive transformation of the company's visual identity and product range. Beyond designing numerous cups, plates, and vases, she also redesigned the corporate logo, developed a proprietary typeface, and produced catalogues and advertisements.

The typeface is constructed geometrically from modular components, which are divided and spaced to evoke abstract representations of plates and other porcelain objects. Store Norske Nora is a variable font that allows these modular letterforms to shift horizontally, ranging from widely spaced to more condensed configurations, including versions that approximate conventional letterforms. The font has gained recognition in branding and editorial contexts for its distinctive and precise graphic qualities. Nora has proven popular for branding and editorial projects due to its strong and clean graphic character.

Store Norske Nora is designed by Arve Båtevik.