A note on
the details.

The type.

Source Serif 4 carries the headings and prose; Source Sans 3 handles navigation and controls. Both are self-hosted under the SIL Open Font License.

I like Bodoni’s contrast and precision, and Computer Modern’s connection to my thesis. After trying the latter here, I preferred the Source families’ warmth and clarity.

The circled numbers are Matthew Butterick’s delightful Concourse Index: free to download, with web use covered by his proprietary licence.

The paint.

The Farrow & Ball palette comes from our house: warm whites, deep blue, and Charlotte’s Locks accents. The picture rail and hanging frames suggest a room.

An AI-generated chalky wall texture and soft directional light give the colours a little depth.

The principles.

Principled in its design, considered in its details, and occasionally delightful.

Clarity and usefulness guide the structure; craftsmanship shows in the small interactions.

The pinned reference peels away when you follow a link; the portrait and hanging panels swing gently on hover, then settle. Brief, occasional movement adds a little delight; restraint keeps the reading and navigation clear. Reduced-motion preferences are respected.

The small pills borrow from Diátaxis: Reference marks facts to consult; Explanation gives context and reasons. They describe the material’s purpose, rather than its subject. Tutorials and how-to guides will earn their labels when there is something to learn or a task to follow.

The navy and terracotta CL monogram borrows the interlocking letters of traditional British royal cyphers.

The workings.

Plain HTML, CSS, and a little JavaScript, hosted on GitLab Pages. Appearance follows your device unless you choose otherwise; your choice is remembered.

Earlier websites remain accessible: the 2017 original, the 2020 Nord design, and our 2022 wedding site.