John Baskerville: art and industry of the Enlightenment

This discussion introduces the eighteenth-century typographer, printer, industrial and Enlightenment figure John Baskerville (1707-75). Baskerville not only designed one of the world’s most historically important typeface, he also experimented with casting type, improved the construction of the printing press, helped develop a new kind of paper and refined the quality of printing inks. His typographic experiments put him ahead of his time and did much to enhance the printing industry of his day. Yet, despite his importance, many aspects of Baskerville’s life remain unexplored. Along side his typographic advances, this discussion will also look at his contribution to the arts, industry, culture and society of the Enlightenment both in Britain and France.