Article Blog General Letterpress Printmaking Typography

Legendary Typeface Rescued and Restored

posted by Ella Renai June 11, 2024

The River Thames in London holds a trove of historical artefacts, from prehistoric tools to medieval jewellery. Among these discoveries, the retrieval of the lost Doves typeface stands out as a remarkable tale. Over a century ago, printer T.J. Cobden-Sanderson took drastic action, hurling every piece of the meticulously crafted metal typeface into the river amidst a dispute with his partner, Emery Walker.

Originally conceived by Cobden-Sanderson and Walker for the Doves Press in Hammersmith, London, the Doves typeface was a unique Arts and Crafts creation, reminiscent of 15th-century Venetian fonts. Featuring wide capital letters, distinctive diamond-shaped punctuation, and unconventional dots on the letter “i,” Doves Type became synonymous with the press’s aesthetic. Unfortunately, its exclusivity proved its downfall when Cobden-Sanderson’s act effectively rendered it irretrievable.

Decades later, graphic designer Robert Green embarked on a quest to revive Doves Type. Despite initial attempts to redraw and digitise the font, Green’s dissatisfaction led him to the riverbanks in 2014. Guided by historical accounts and Cobden-Sanderson’s diaries, Green located the dumping spot beneath Hammersmith bridge. Against the odds, he recovered 151 sorts of the typeface, igniting a renewed interest in its restoration.

Green’s discoveries not only advanced his digitisation efforts but also connected him with fellow enthusiasts, including official mudlarks who unearthed additional pieces. While the recovery represents only a fraction of the original type, its significance reverberates through the realms of typography and historical preservation.