Typefounders

Typefounders were skilled craftsmen who created molds, or matrices, for the production of movable type. This process revolutionized printing, making it faster and more efficient. Typefounders worked with various materials, including lead, metal alloys, and wood, to create individual letters, numbers, and symbols. They designed and cast these type pieces, which were then used by printers to compose and print books, newspapers, and other publications. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century marked the beginning of the typefounder's role in the printing industry. Typefounders played a crucial role in the development of typography and the spread of knowledge, as their work enabled the mass production of printed materials.