The Palace of Typographic Masonry makes a plea for the splendour and variety of graphic languages and their value within society. The (imagined) building is dedicated to the intrinsic function of graphic design and devoted to the necessity of diversity, poetry and craft. This aim finds expression in various initiatives, including exhibitions, publications and lectures, and are gathered in this ‘encyclopaedial’ website.
The structure of The Palace of Typographic Masonry consists of nine departments; sign, symbol and ornament, construction, poetics and play, order, craft and practice. Each department, subdivided in various rooms and cabinets dedicated to a unique source collection, provides a frame through which graphic design can be seen and classified. By personal invitation of Richard Niessen, initiator of The Palace of Typographic Masonry, a wide range of graphic designers and authors contribute to the unique ‘Gesamtkunstwerk.’