John Baskerville, English printer and type designer (b. 1706)

John Baskerville (baptised 28 January 1707 – 8 January 1775) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of English printing and typography. While widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in type design and his pioneering printing techniques, his industrious career initially flourished in diverse business ventures, particularly in the innovative fields of japanning and papier-mâché.

Early Enterprises: Japanning and Papier-mâché Innovations

Before he revolutionized the world of print, Baskerville built a substantial reputation and fortune as a highly successful businessman in Birmingham, a city rapidly emerging as a hub for industrial innovation during the 18th century. His initial success stemmed from his expertise in:

• Japanning: This intricate craft involved applying multiple layers of lacquer to various surfaces, typically wood or metal, to create a durable, glossy finish that mimicked expensive Oriental lacquerware. Baskerville developed advanced techniques, including unique drying processes, which allowed him to produce exceptionally high-quality japanned goods, such as decorative boxes and trays.
• Papier-mâché: He was also a leading manufacturer of papier-mâché items. This material, made from paper pulp mixed with glue and other binders, was molded into decorative objects and then often japanned. Baskerville innovated the manufacturing process, making these items more robust and aesthetically refined, catering to a burgeoning market for fashionable household goods.

These ventures not only showcased his entrepreneurial spirit but also provided him with the financial independence to pursue his true passion: the improvement of printing.

A Visionary Printer and Type Designer

Driven by a profound dissatisfaction with the quality of printing and typefaces available in his era, Baskerville dedicated himself from 1750 onwards to refining every aspect of book production. He invested significant personal wealth and many years into perfecting what he believed to be the ideal combination of type, ink, and paper. His meticulous approach led to the creation of the renowned Baskerville typeface, a landmark in typographic history.

The Baskerville Typeface: A Revolution in Readability

The typeface bearing his name is classified as a transitional serif, bridging the gap between the older old-style serifs (like Garamond) and the more modern Didone or modern serifs (like Bodoni and Didot). Its distinctive features include:

• Increased contrast between thick and thin strokes, giving it a crisper appearance.
• Sharper serifs, which are more precise than those found in old-style faces.
• A generally wider and more open letterform, contributing to its legibility.

This typeface was designed for maximum legibility and elegance, embodying Baskerville's commitment to creating books that were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It remains highly influential and is widely used today in both print and digital media for its clarity and refined character.

The Invention of "Wove Paper": A Smooth Revolution

One of Baskerville's most significant and enduring contributions to printing technology was the invention and popularization of "wove paper." Prior to this innovation, the standard was "laid paper," which displayed faint, parallel lines (called chain lines and laid lines) resulting from the wire mesh used in the paper-making mold. These lines, while often subtle, could disrupt the smooth flow of text and the sharpness of printed images.

Baskerville collaborated with papermaker James Whatman II to develop "wove paper." This superior paper was produced using a finely woven mesh screen, similar to a sieve, which eliminated the distinctive wire lines of laid paper. The result was an exceptionally smooth, uniform surface that allowed for significantly sharper and more detailed printing results. The absence of texture meant that the ink would distribute more evenly across the page, preventing feathering and ensuring that the delicate lines and precise curves of his new typefaces were rendered with unparalleled clarity.

This innovation was crucial to achieving the high standards Baskerville set for his own printing, as it perfectly complemented his refined typefaces and improved inks, contributing to the glossy, almost polished appearance of his printed pages. Wove paper quickly became the standard for high-quality printing and remains so today.

A Holistic Approach to Printing Excellence

Baskerville's genius lay not just in individual inventions but in his holistic approach to elevating the entire printing process. He meticulously controlled every variable to achieve his desired output:

• Custom Presses: He modified his printing presses to exert greater, more even pressure. Some accounts suggest he even incorporated heated copper plates to ensure a smoother transfer of ink and a glossier finish.
• Superior Inks: He developed a new, intensely black, and quick-drying ink that adhered perfectly to the smooth wove paper, enhancing the contrast and sharpness of his impressions.
• Harmonious Integration: It was the synergy between his innovative type design, the smooth wove paper, and his improved inks and presses that truly set his work apart, giving his books a distinctive luster and legibility never before seen.

Notable Works and Enduring Legacy

Baskerville's commitment to perfection is exemplified in his magnum opus, a luxurious quarto edition of Virgil's works published in 1757, which immediately garnered critical acclaim. Other significant productions include his stunning edition of John Milton's Paradise Lost and the monumental Cambridge Baskerville Bible of 1763, considered one of the most beautiful Bibles ever printed. His work deeply influenced future generations of typographers and printers, including prominent figures like Giambattista Bodoni in Italy and Firmin Didot in France, who further developed the "modern" style of typography.

Despite facing initial resistance and even criticism from some contemporaries who found his designs too stark or "modern," John Baskerville is now universally recognized as a master craftsman whose innovations fundamentally reshaped the aesthetics and mechanics of printing. His contributions ensured that reading became a more visually engaging and comfortable experience, solidifying his place as a true luminary of the Enlightenment.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Baskerville

What was John Baskerville famous for?

John Baskerville is primarily remembered as an influential English printer and type designer. He is celebrated for creating the elegant Baskerville typeface and for inventing "wove paper," a smoother paper that allowed for much sharper and clearer printing results. He also developed superior inks and modified printing presses to achieve unparalleled print quality for his time.

What is "wove paper" and why was it important?

"Wove paper" is a type of paper with a smooth, uniform surface, without the visible lines characteristic of older "laid paper." It was invented by John Baskerville (in collaboration with papermaker James Whatman II) to provide an ideal surface for his refined typefaces and inks. Its smoothness allowed for greater precision, sharper details, and more consistent ink absorption, revolutionizing print quality and becoming the standard for fine printing.

What type of font is Baskerville?

The Baskerville typeface is classified as a "transitional serif" font. This classification signifies its position between the older "old-style" serifs (like Garamond) and the more geometric "modern" or "Didone" serifs (like Bodoni). It features increased contrast between thick and thin strokes, sharper serifs, and a refined elegance, making it highly readable and visually appealing.

Did John Baskerville invent papermaking?

No, John Baskerville did not invent papermaking itself. Papermaking traditions existed for centuries before him. However, he is credited with inventing and popularizing "wove paper," a significant advancement in papermaking technology that produced a much smoother and more uniform surface compared to the "laid paper" that was standard at the time.