The Revival of Caslon Types

The Enduring Legacy of Caslon in British Typography

Few typefaces in the history of British typography have had an impact as profound and lasting as Caslon. First designed in the early 18th century by William Caslon, these fonts became synonymous with the development of English printing and national graphic identity. In modern times, no one did more to preserve and revive this heritage than Justin Howes — historian, typographer, and designer.

Through his meticulous research and revival efforts, Howes reintroduced Caslon fonts to a new generation of designers and scholars, ensuring their continued relevance in both traditional and digital typography.

Who Was Justin Howes?

Justin Howes (1963–2005) was a British typographer, type historian, and font designer, best known for his work on historical typefaces and his dedication to preserving the heritage of British printing. He served as a consultant to the St Bride Printing Library in London and co-founded the Type Museum, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of classic type design.

Howes had a particular passion for the work of William Caslon, the 18th-century English typefounder. With access to original punches and matrices, Howes painstakingly reconstructed Caslon typefaces. His digital revival of Caslon Old Face for Adobe is considered one of the most authentic renderings of the original design and is still widely used by typographers and designers today.

William Caslon: The Father of British Type Design

The Origins of Caslon Fonts

William Caslon (1692–1766) began his career as an engraver of gunlocks and tools, but he soon turned to type design. In 1720, he founded his own type foundry and set out to create a distinctly British alternative to the Dutch and French typefaces dominating English printing at the time.

Caslon's first roman type — later known as Caslon Old Face — drew inspiration from Dutch models but introduced more balanced proportions and refined serifs. The result was a warm, highly readable typeface that quickly became a favorite among English printers.

Caslon and History: From Britain to America

Caslon fonts became deeply embedded in British cultural identity, used in everything from books and newspapers to political documents. Notably, the American Declaration of Independence (1776) was printed using a Caslon typeface, linking the font forever to a pivotal moment in global history.

The old printer's adage — "When in doubt, use Caslon" — reflects the enduring popularity and versatility of the type.

The History of the Caslon Foundry

From Family Enterprise to Typographic Institution

Following William Caslon's death, his sons and grandsons continued the business, expanding the foundry and maintaining its prestige throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The Caslon Type Foundry became one of the most influential and respected type manufacturers in the English-speaking world.

Despite shifts in technology and style, the company upheld the legacy of its founder, producing metal type well into the 20th century. The Caslon name became synonymous with quality, tradition, and British craftsmanship.

Revivals and Challenges in the Modern Era

In the 20th century, changing tastes and the rise of modernist design posed challenges for Caslon’s traditional aesthetics. Yet designers and scholars continued to champion the original typefaces. In the early 2000s, Justin Howes took a bold step: he founded The William Caslon Company, with the goal of reviving the original foundry’s legacy and reintroducing its typefaces using authentic historical materials.

Although Howes passed away in 2005 before fully realizing this vision, his work laid the groundwork for renewed interest in Caslon and its place in design history.

Caslon at Whittington Press

A Living Tradition in Fine Press Printing

Caslon fonts have found a natural home at the Whittington Press, a private press founded in 1971 by John and Rosalind Randle. Known for its dedication to traditional letterpress printing and typographic excellence, Whittington Press frequently uses Caslon in its finely crafted books.

Among the most notable publications from the press is Matrix, an annual journal dedicated to the book arts and typography. Caslon’s warm, slightly irregular forms lend themselves beautifully to the texture of letterpress printing, enhancing the tactile and visual experience of the printed page.

Caslon as a Tool and an Aesthetic Statement

At Whittington Press, Caslon is more than a functional typeface — it is an integral part of the visual and artistic language. The press’s collaborations with typographers, artists, and illustrators from around the world showcase Caslon in its full expressive range, demonstrating how a three-century-old font continues to inspire modern creativity.

Justin Howes’ Contribution to Typeface History

Justin Howes was not only a font designer but also a prolific lecturer and writer. He authored essays for Matrix, gave talks at St Bride Library, and educated a generation of designers and historians about the origins and development of British type. His voice was one of authority and passion in the field of historical typography.

Howes’ revival of Caslon — both digitally and historically — was a major achievement that combined scholarly rigor with practical application. He understood that typography is not just about form, but also about culture, politics, and national identity.

Why Caslon Fonts Still Matter Today

Caslon fonts are more than just relics of the past. Thanks to efforts by designers like Justin Howes and presses like Whittington, Caslon continues to play an important role in contemporary typography. Its warm, humanist character makes it suitable for both fine press editions and digital design, bridging centuries of visual communication.

The history of Caslon is also the history of English printing — a story of craftsmanship, adaptation, and timeless elegance. Whether used in a hand-printed volume or a modern eBook, Caslon remains a symbol of typographic excellence.

Conclusion: Caslon and the Future of British Typography

The legacy of William Caslon lives on, not only in the archives and libraries but also in the work of passionate typographers like Justin Howes. His scholarship and dedication have ensured that Caslon remains accessible, relevant, and inspiring to designers today.

Through the continued use of Caslon Old Face in places like Whittington Press, we see that tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often walk hand in hand — letter by letter, line by line — across the pages of beautifully printed books.

A Landmark Publication in the History of British Typography

The Revival of Caslon Types by Justin Howes is the debut publication from our press — a finely printed and hand-bound edition dedicated to one of the most iconic typefaces in the English tradition.

This elegant volume gathers three seminal essays originally published in Matrix, the annual journal of printing and the book arts. In them, Howes documents his painstaking digital revival of the original Caslon types — fonts first created by William Caslon I (1692–1766) — using surviving punches and matrices. His work is considered among the most historically faithful revivals of any 18th-century typeface.

Why This Book Matters

This edition is especially meaningful to us. We have a deep affection for Caslon’s types — fonts that have shaped centuries of English-language printing. We are also members of the Caslon Club, a secret society of typographers whose list of members was, according to legend, misplaced by its anonymous chairman.

This book is not only a tribute to Caslon typography but also a celebration of the enduring relationship between type, printing, and craft.

Publication Details

Title: The Revival of Caslon Types

Author: Justin Howes

Typography: Set in LTC Caslon, a historically inspired digital typeface

Paper: Printed on Century Laid — 100% cotton rag paper

Binding: Hand-bound in half-leather (goatskin spine with paper-covered boards)

Edition: Strictly limited to 75 numbered copies

A Must-Have for Typography Enthusiasts and Fine Press Collectors

Whether you're a lover of letterpress, a typographic historian, or a collector of fine press editions, The Revival of Caslon Types is a work of enduring beauty and scholarly importance. This carefully crafted edition honors the past while inviting new generations to appreciate the elegance of Caslon fonts and the dedication of Justin Howes.