Overview

'Krulleletter' is a unique script developed in the '50s by the Dutch letter painter and calligrapher, JWJ Visser. It was originally painted on the windows of many Amsterdam bars, and quickly became associated with Amstel Beer. When Heineken acquired Amstel in the '60s, their own letter painter, Leo Beukeboom, continued the tradition of adorning the windows of Amsterdam in the 'Krulleletter' style. With time, this swashy script evolved into one of the most recognisable decorative elements in the traditional bars known colloquially as bruin cafés. With the art of letter painting disappearing from the Netherlands, no one hand paints 'Krulleletter' in Amsterdam any more. And sadly, the most beautiful original examples of the style are also vanishing, taking with them a celebrated part of Amsterdam's identity. In ReType, we are reviving this alphabet with a digital version. The font is now nearing completion, and we are able to produce works of lettering on demand. If you need a word or a sentence for your design, please contact us.