Fascinated by Arabic script, Eric Gill managed to receive a commission to design an Arabic typeface for linotype and monotype machines, the first of its kind in 1934. The project was not a success. The idea of mechanised typefaces was something that collided with traditions of calligraphy. Experts pointed out that “the divisions of the letters were not in the right places” and “it shows a lack of knowledge of the language and the script”.
