Francis Thibaudeau

Who was Francis Thibaudeau?

Francis Thibaudeau was a French typographer and creater of the first well-established system for classifying typefaces, the Thibaudeau classification. He devised his system while developing the catalogues for the Renault & Marcou and Peignot & Cie foundries in the early 20th century. He worked at Deberny & Peignot from 1921-1925.

His book, La lettre d'imprimerie, was printed in Auriol, a typeface designed by its namesake, George Auriol and reflecting typical Art Nouveau design. In this text, he states clearly his patriotic purpose: "May this work of popularization [...] inspire interest in the nature of the printed letter and then in the art of its use and applications, [...] for the greatest profit of the national industry and the triumph of French art."