The history of Monotype dates back to the late 19th Century, when it introduced groundbreaking new technology that revolutionised the production of metal type for letterpress printing. Tolbert Lanston, the inventor of this technology and founder of The Lanston Monotype Machine Company, patented this mechanical typesetting system in 1887 and introduced the first hot metal typesetter a few years later.
In 1897, Monotype established a factory in the UK, producing type mostly from designs that were already in common use at that time. Following the successful introduction of the Monotype system the company went on to develop a raft of new typefaces, many of which became hugely popular, such as Times New Roman and Gill Sans.
Monotype Supercaster Matrices
The exhibition will be showcasing selected pieces from the Monotype archives including artwork, original drawings, typecasting artifacts and publications. Admission is free, and you can book a ‘guided tour’ (also free) via Eventbrite.
Monotype – Pencil to Pixel is at Metropolitan Wharf, 70 Wapping Wall, London E1, from 16-23 November and opening times are 10.00am-7.30pm.
Original drawings for the Gill Sans typeface
Detail of a Monotype Composition Caster Matrix Case
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