Typography Pioneer's Legacy Lives On

Michael Twyman, a pivotal figure in establishing typography as an academic discipline in Britain, passed away at the age of 91. He was instrumental in founding the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at Reading University in the mid-1970s, revolutionizing the field by integrating historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of graphic design.

His pioneering vision extended beyond traditional design studies, incorporating insights from linguistics, psychology, and history to explore "design for reading." This holistic approach created a rational framework for visual communication that remains relevant across evolving media and the digital economy. Twyman's influential publications further cemented his contributions to the discipline.

Twyman's academic career at Reading began in 1959, and he later became a professor. After retiring in 1998, he continued his research, publishing a major work on chromolithography and a recent study on reproducing the Bayeux Tapestry. He is survived by his wife, two sons, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.