THE SHOWMEN
Messrs Foster, Roe & CroneThis young Chicago firm produced samples that were among the most bizarre — and copied. They were known for their twisted and crimped rulework and for their humorous self-promotion.
THE COLORIST
John Franklin EarhartEarhart produced beautiful and opulent examples of artistic printing. In 1892 he published The Color Printer — the Pantone color guide of its time.
THE ECCENTRIC
George WestLittle is known of the Easton, Pennsylvania man who styled himself "West, the Printer." His work is notable for its consistently outlandish quality.
THE ORIGINATOR
Oscar HarpelHarpel’s Typograph, or Book of Specimens (1870) is credited with raising the ambitions of job printers to create “artistic” work. His opus helped shape the aesthetics of late 19th century print design.
THE PROMOTER
William J. Kelly An editor, publisher and printer, Kelly was also the self-described “Homer of the poetry of fine printing.” He laid claim to have started artistic printing in the 1860s although this was never confirmed.
THE TYPOGRAPHER
Andreas Valette Haight Haight was celebrated for his meticulous and balanced compostions. Besides job printing he designed numerous typefaces and was one of the great forgotten designers of the 19th century.