The evolution of typefaces has always been shaped by practical needs and aesthetic desires. Two notable 19th-century styles, Clarendon and Antique, illustrate this dynamic. Clarendons, with their bracketed serifs and moderate stroke contrast, were decorative and impactful, ideal for posters and headlines. However, their softer forms lacked legibility at smaller sizes and durability for industrial printing demands.

Antique typefaces, also known as Slab Serifs, emerged as a functional response. Featuring unbracketed, blocky serifs and low stroke contrast, they were sturdier, highly legible, and better suited for rough printing conditions. Their bold, geometric design reflected the Industrial Revolution’s utilitarian values, offering versatility for both display and text uses. While Clarendons brought elegance, Antiques prioritized functionality and durability.

This legacy inspired the creation of PF Centura, a variable typeface that reimagines these classic styles for modern use. An early version of PF Centura was introduced in 1999 as Centura 3D, a two-style 3D design showcasing its innovative potential. This version, now part of the Archive collection, laid the groundwork for the comprehensive modern release. Today, PF Centura combines the decorative charm of Clarendon with the robustness of Antique, incorporating features tailored for contemporary typography.

PF Centura offers a broad range of weights (weight axis), from Light to Black, along with true italics (italic axis) across all styles for added versatility. It also includes an extensive range of widths (width axis), spanning from Compressed to Extended, enabling designers to tailor their work precisely. Figures are meticulously aligned with lowercase text rhythm, enhancing visual harmony. Unique additions include Stacked Fractions, a nod to historical metal types, and Unicase characters for bold visual impact. Full support for Latin, Greek and Cyrillic scripts, along with a set of visually appealing Arrows, further expands its versatility.

In summary, Clarendon and Antique typefaces shaped 19th-century typography by balancing aesthetics and practicality. PF Centura honors and modernizes this heritage, seamlessly blending historical elegance with innovative functionality. Its journey from a 3D design to a fully realized, feature-rich typeface underscores its enduring appeal and adaptability for diverse design challenges.