Morgan, type revivalist, dies at age 75

ESSEX, N.Y., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Publisher Douglas Morgan, whose collection of 19th-century wood type letterforms helped start a graphic design revival, died in his New York home at age 75.

Morgan, who died Dec. 10 of congestive heart failure in Essex, N.Y., began accumulating antique wood types in the 1950s while managing a printing and publishing house showcasing 20th-century photographers, The New York Times reported Monday. The letters and fonts were used in the mid- to late-19th century in ads, posters and handbills.

The collection became the Morgan Press Type Collection, named after the company Morgan and his brother, Lloyd, founded in 1958, the Times said. His company sold the type to designers, giving rise of an ornate, Victorian retro look and feel in graphic arts.

The Morgan collection is at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

As a child during World War II, Morgan and his brother published a hand-typeset magazine, The Fresh Egg, from the family's chicken farm. It was distributed to neighbors along with eggs.

In addition to his brother, Morgan is survived by his wife, Ruth, children from several marriages and nine grandchildren, the newspaper said.