°°°

In this Issue : Introduction to Street°Type°Archive + Bombay Eats

Welcome to the Street Type Archive Substack!

This project explores the relationship between typography and culture. It began as a design experiment in Bombay—capturing old signage for typographic research—and has grown into an art photography archive that documents the evolving visual landscapes of cities. From the bustling streets of Bombay and Balasinor’s nearly forgotten Indo-Deco mansions to the vibrant markets of Madurai and the lively neighborhoods beyond India, my work examines the visual language of urban life. I share my findings through self-published zines, photo essays, and public lectures.

On this Substack, you can expect extended photo essays, updates on my zine projects, and stories drawn from my travels and cultural encounters.

In the coming weeks, I’ll bring you:

• Weekly Dispatches: Quick reflections and insights from my travels and research.
• Long-form Photo Essays: Detailed explorations into the cultural history and narratives behind the typography I document.
• Behind-the-scenes Updates: A look at my process for photography, research, and the creation of urban zines.
• Interviews & Commentary: Conversations with type designers, lettering artists, and creative minds on the intersections of typography, design, and culture.

Thank you for being here—I’m excited to share these stories with you. Let’s start with me sharing a glimpse of the first zine that was published in June of 2024. Bombay Eats. Get in touch if you would like to get a copy!

Zine Issue 1 – Bombay Eats

In Bombay Eats, I delve into Bombay's varied eateries, where food and typography combine to reveal the city’s distinct identity. The signage—from weathered, hand-painted boards to contemporary displays—showcases an eclectic mix of styles. Each typographic treatment, whether rendered in expressive regional scripts, hand-painted or classic Latin styles, captures a slice of Bombay’s rich cultural narrative.

One striking example is a modest eatery’s sign proclaiming “This is Lunch Time.” Its fusion of Latin lettering and regional calligraphy mirrors the city’s layered linguistic heritage and highlights how visual cues in everyday spaces articulate Bombay’s cosmopolitan character.

Bombay Eats is an invitation to explore the diverse typographic landscape of Bombay. While it offers only a glimpse of the city's vast visual richness, the zine invites you to appreciate the unique interplay of language, design, and local flavor found in its streets.

Here is the final set of photographs found in Bombay Eats.

Here are a few more images that didn’t make the final printed issue.

Thanks for subscribing and purchasing the zines!

---