Request Material
American Type Founders collection
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: American Type Founders collection | |
| Creator: American Type Founders Company | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1924-1962 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 1.5 Linear Feet 2 boxes. | |
| Collection Number: ms4597 | |
| Repository: Hargrett Library | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
The American Type Founders (ATF) was formed in 1892 as a consolidation of twenty-three independent type foundries in the United States. This alliance was formed as a reaction to the invention of two practical systems for automated mechanical typesetting; the Linotype and the Monotype.
Although mechanical typesetting quickly gained popularity, the American Type Founders' efforts helped hand-setting maintain relevance for several years. The American Type Founders also created the first type families and fonts that continue to be widely used, such as Franklin Gothic, Alternate Gothic, Garamond, and Egyptian Antique.
The company was dissolved in 1993.
Scope and Content
This collection documents individual type faces and styles from the height of the American Type Founders Company's (ATF) business and productivity. A majority of the collection is made up of around two hundred and fifty flyers on type faces. Of note is The Goudy Family catalogue.
Also included is an American Type Founders oak box set of font cards with each card displaying a complete set of characters and sizes.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
[Item, box, folder], American Type Founders collection, ms4597, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.