Caslon Foundry: The History of a Typographic Dynasty
The story of the Caslon Foundry is more than just a chronicle of a business; it is a map of the evolution of English typography. Founded during a period of intense industrial consolidation, the foundry became a cornerstone of the printing trade, shaping the visual language of the 18th and 19th centuries through its enduring typefaces.
The Foundations of the Business
In 1739, William Caslon I established the Caslon Foundry. The business was built upon the foundations of a previous operation owned by Godfrey Head (1685–1700). During this era, the trade was characterized by significant mergers. While Caslon built his legacy, his contemporary John James (active 1716–1764) was aggressively expanding his own reach. James eventually combined nine old English foundries under his direction, including acquisitions from Robert Mitchell and Jacob Ilive in 1740, and Thomas Grover in 1758.
By the mid-18th century, the landscape of English typefounding had consolidated to the point where only three major representatives remained: John James, William Caslon I, and John Baskerville.
Competition and Expansion
Success often breeds competition, even within the same walls. Thomas Cottrell and Joseph Jackson, both apprentices to William Caslon I, broke away to start their own foundry in 1757. Their partnership was interrupted in 1759 when Jackson joined the Navy, leaving Cottrell to manage the business alone. After leaving the navy in 1763, Jackson briefly worked for Cottrell before establishing a separate foundry in 1764 with the help of two fellow workmen. This venture continued until Jackson's death in 1792, at which point the Salisbury Square foundry was purchased by William Caslon III, the grandson of the original founder.
The Caslon Family Legacy and Legal Turmoil
Following the death of William Caslon I in 1766, the business passed to his son, William Caslon II, who managed the foundry with his wife, Elizabeth Cartlich, until 1778. After his passing, Elizabeth continued to run the business jointly with her sons, William Caslon III (1754–1833) and Henry Caslon (c.1755–1788), under the trade name Elizabeth Caslon and Sons.
The family's control faced instability after Henry's death in 1788. In 1792, William III sold his share to his mother and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rowe (Henry's widow). The two Elizabeths managed the foundry until the elder Elizabeth died in 1795. A subsequent legal dispute regarding her will led to the foundry being placed in Chancery and auctioned in 1799.
The younger Elizabeth Caslon bought the business back and partnered with a distant relative, Nathaniel Catherwood. Following their deaths in 1809, the foundry passed through several hands, including Henry Caslon II and F. F. Catherwood, and later the partnership of Caslon, Son and Livermore (1821–1840). By 1873, after the death of H. W. Caslon, the foundry was acquired by T. W. Smith and partners, though it retained the name H. W. Caslon and Co. Ltd. until its final acquisition by Stephenson Blake in 1937.
The Parallel Path of W. Caslon & Son
While the original foundry navigated legal battles, William Caslon III pursued a separate venture. After selling his share of the family business in 1792, he purchased the Salisbury Square foundry from Joseph Jackson's estate, renaming it W. Caslon & Son. This business passed to William Caslon IV in 1807, was sold to the Sheffield-based Blake, Garnett & Co. in 1819, and eventually became part of Stephenson, Blake & Co. in 1837.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1739 by William Caslon I.
- Major Competitors: John James and John Baskerville.
- Key Transition: The business operated as "Elizabeth Caslon and Sons" during the late 18th century.
- Final Acquisition: The H. W. Caslon and Co. Ltd. name lasted until 1937 when it was bought by Stephenson Blake.
- Modern Revival: Justin Howes briefly reestablished H. W. Caslon & Company Limited in 1998.
| Period | Owner/Entity | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1739–1766 | William Caslon I | Founding of the foundry |
| 1766–1778 | William Caslon II & Elizabeth Cartlich | Succession to the son |
| 1778–1795 | Elizabeth Caslon and Sons | Joint management by widow and sons |
| 1799–1809 | Elizabeth Caslon (younger) & Nathaniel Catherwood | Recovery from Chancery auction |
| 1873–1937 | T. W. Smith & partners (as H. W. Caslon and Co. Ltd.) | Final era before Stephenson Blake acquisition |
| 1998–2005 | Justin Howes | Modern revival and subsequent closure |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Caslon Foundry?
The foundry was founded in 1739 by William Caslon I, utilizing the foundations of a business previously owned by Godfrey Head.
How did the foundry end up in a legal auction?
Following the death of the elder Elizabeth Caslon in 1795, a legal dispute over the terms of her will resulted in the foundry being thrown into Chancery and auctioned in 1799.
What happened to the W. Caslon & Son branch?
Established by William Caslon III in 1792, this separate entity was passed to William Caslon IV in 1807, sold to Blake, Garnett & Co. in 1819, and finally acquired by Stephenson, Blake & Co. in 1837.
Was there a modern attempt to revive the company?
Yes, Justin Howes reestablished H. W. Caslon & Company Limited in 1998, initially offering an expanded version of ITC Founder's Caslon. The business ceased operations following Howes' death in 2005.
Who were the primary rivals of the Caslon Foundry in the 18th century?
The primary representatives of the trade in England during the period of consolidation were John James, William Caslon I, and John Baskerville.