The “Fythkiótiko typeface” was designed and developed by Natali Touloupou, founder of Gridra, after a personal need of the designer to redefine the art of the traditional Fythkiótika tapestries.

This project that started as a Bachelor thesis in 2023, aimed to provide a tool for other creatives and cultural heritage enthusiasts (especially youngsters), to engage with this handicraft through digital media, keeping its designs alive in new ways.

The thesis project with the name “Study and Redefinition of the Fytiótika textiles, in Cyprus, through the design of Typographic Symbols”, supervised by the Lecturer Omiros Panayides, had four different tangible deliverables:

• The “Fythkiótiko Colour” typeface, consisting of 104 typographic symbols: 40 main and 64 alternatives

• The “Fythkiótiko Monotone” typeface, consisting of 40 monochromatic typographic symbols

• One Specimen Book, showcasing all the characters

• One Guide Book, explaining the inspiration, traditional ways of the weaved or embroidered patterns and suggested ways of use of the two typefaces

What are the Fythkiótika?

The Fythkiótika are colourful tapestries, usually cotton, found in Fyti and other neighbouring villages in the city of Paphos of Cyprus. It is said that they first appeared on the island, in the 12th Century and thrived in the 19th Century. They are weaved on a traditional weaving loom, while many times various details are made with the help of embroidery.