Collection of Updike Type Specimen Ephemera

Collection

Identifier: 004-04-06

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection is composed primarily of 20th-century ephemeral type specimens from Europe and America. Many are notable for their colorful design and creative sample text, and some are styled in the manner of faux publications (e.g. “The Baskerville Banner,” which is presented as a newspaper broadside).

Dates

1734-2017

Creator

Providence Public Library (R.I.). Special Collections (Collector, Organization)

Biographical / Historical

Type specimens have been used as a form of advertisement for foundries and print shops since the early years of printing. They advertise typefaces and highlight their uses for printers and their potential clients.

Extent

6 Linear Feet (Five Hollinger boxes and one flat file drawer)

Language of Materials

English

French

Italian

German

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically by foundry or press name. Because of the complicated evolution and blending of the names of individuals and foundries, entries are alphabetized under the surname/foundry name (e.g. “Fry: Edmund Fry,” “Fry: Edmund Fry & Son,” “Fry: Fry and Steele”).

Custodial History

Acquired from multiple donors and booksellers.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Received through donations, purchase and transfer from the library General Collections. The oldest items in the collection were received through bequeathment from Daniel Berkeley Updike.

Accruals

Accruals are expected.

Related Materials

The Updike Collection on the History of Printing, Special Collections, Providence Public Library.

Separated Materials

Non-type-specimen ephemera was removed to Collection #004-04-01. Book-length specimens are individually cataloged as part of the Updike Collection, typically in the “644.255” Dewey range.