Abstract/Summary

The British Monotype Corporation produced some of the most popular typefaces of the twentieth century, the great majority of which were originated or art directed by prominent male designers. Yet little is known of the crucial contribution to these designs by the company’s Type Drawing Office, a Department essentially staffed by women. Based on thorough research in the Monotype archives, this essay discusses the key role played by the women of the Monotype Type Drawing Office in the making of many celebrated typefaces. It examines these women’s status and responsibilities at one of the leading type-manufacturing companies of the twentieth century. The essay also highlights the hitherto undocumented yet vital contributions of some of the TDO’s long-standing members, which include Dora Pritchett, Dora Laing and Patricia Saunders.