The Canadian Typography Archives is a bilingual (English and French) initiative dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of typography in Canada.
It showcases the work of type designers, printers, educators, and institutions that have shaped Canada’s typographic landscape.
Curated with care, the archive comprises printed ephemera, type specimens, interviews, essays, and more, offering a comprehensive exploration of both historical and contemporary practices.
Whether you’re a graphic designer, typographer, researcher, or curious enthusiast, this is your gateway into the overlooked yet rich legacy of Canadian type.
From typefaces born in Canadian foundries to the stories behind them, the archive aims to foster awareness, spark inspiration, and support ongoing dialogue around the art and craft of typography in Canada.
The Canadian Typography Archives — Preserving the Letterforms That Shaped a Nation
Typography tells stories — not just through words, but through form, culture, and time.
The Canadian Typography Archives (CTA) was founded with a clear and heartfelt purpose: to document, preserve, and celebrate the rich typographic history of Canada, from coast to coast and across every community that has contributed to its visual language.
At its core, the CTA is more than a collection — it’s a living, evolving record of how design, printing, and communication have shaped Canada’s creative identity.
A Home for Canada’s Typographic Heritage
Founded in 2018 by Rod McDonald (FGDC) and Patrick Griffin (CanadaType), the Canadian Typography Archives is a non-profit initiative built for education, inspiration, and preservation.
It shines a light on the people behind the letters — the typographers, typesetters, type designers, calligraphers, printers, sign painters, art directors, and information designers who defined how Canada looks and reads today.
Some of the work featured in the Archives has never been seen publicly before, making it a treasure trove for anyone who loves design history.
Their mission is clear and deeply meaningful:
“To identify, preserve, contextualize, and share exceptional work of enduring value with the public.”
In an era when much of design education is shifting toward software and surface-level tools, the CTA serves as a counterbalance — a guardian of craft.
It reminds us that behind every digital interface and every printed page is a long lineage of artistry and thought.
Built by Passion, Not Profit
A small but passionate team of volunteers powers the Canadian Typography Archives.
These are designers, historians, and educators who believe that the story of design deserves to be told in full — not just through global movements, but through local contributions that have helped shape both Canadian and international visual culture.
Their work involves collecting artifacts, conducting research, digitizing materials, and providing public access to the kind of knowledge that could otherwise fade into obscurity.
Every piece they archive — from a century-old type specimen to a contemporary design project — adds another thread to the evolving fabric of Canadian design history.
A Resource for Learning and Inspiration
Beyond being a repository of the past, the CTA is also a curated learning hub for anyone interested in exploring the evolution of type.
It’s a place for students to discover design fundamentals, for educators to seek context, and for professionals to reconnect with the roots of their craft.
The platform provides tools and resources that enable visitors to explore ideas, trace historical influences, and gain insight into the individuals behind the evolution of Canadian typography.
It’s a blend of history and insight — designed to spark curiosity and preserve knowledge.
As typography gradually disappears from many design curriculums — replaced by software tutorials and production shortcuts — the CTA stands firm as a reminder of why letterforms matter.
Typography isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about communication, culture, and the ideas that live between the lines.
An Inclusive, Evolving Archive
The team behind the CTA openly acknowledges that the Archives are “incomplete, imperfect, and evolving.”
But that’s precisely what makes them powerful. Typography — like culture — is constantly changing.
The Archive invites designers, researchers, and communities to contribute their stories, artifacts, and perspectives, especially those that have been overlooked or underrepresented in traditional design history.
By opening its doors to diverse narratives, the CTA aims to expand the definition of Canadian design heritage — not just through famous names and institutions, but also through the everyday creators, experimenters, and educators who have shaped its visual voice.
Keeping the Craft Alive
Typography is more than typefaces and grids — it’s a reflection of how people think, express, and connect.
The Canadian Typography Archives exists to ensure that the stories behind Canada’s letterforms are preserved, studied, and celebrated for generations to come.
Through their ongoing efforts, they’re redefining what it means to archive design — transforming history into a living resource that educates and inspires.
Whether you’re a student sketching your first alphabet, a professional designer seeking deeper roots, or simply someone curious about the art of visual communication, the CTA offers something rare: a space to rediscover the soul of typography — Canadian style.
Explore the Canadian Typography Archives
Discover the stories, artifacts, and people who shaped Canada’s typographic identity — and help preserve the craft for the next generation of designers.
