M & H Type

The oldest and largest letterpress type foundry in the U.S.




 

 

Hot metal is still hot in San Francisco!

The venerable firm of Mackenzie & Harris, established in 1915, is the oldest and largest type foundry for letterpress printers in the United States. Also known as M & H Type, it offers for sale an extensive selection of fonts of type for hand composition and keeps current with printing technology by providing digital typography as well as traditional lead typecasting and Monotype composition.

M & H Type is associated with Arion Press, fine printers and publishers of deluxe limited-edition books, and the Grabhorn Institute, which sponsors educational and apprenticeship opportunities. All share the premises of a handsome1928 industrial building in the Presidio national park of San Francisco.

SPECIAL OFFER

Save 25% with Starter Set Font Specials

For a limited time, you can order a set of 12 and 18 pt. "Starter Set" fonts of selected popular typefaces, and save 25% off the regular prices. These are perfect for printers just getting started with letterpress, as well as for those wanting to add a new type style to their shops. Order online now.

Save 15% on featured Handy Fonts: @@@!

Need some @ symbols to set all those email addresses? M & H Type offers a choice of three Handy Fonts with a variety of sizes and a choice of Roman or Sans Serif styles. For a limited time, save 15%. Order online now.

M & H TYPE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

M & H Type offers apprenticeships for intensive work/training in typography, typecasting, and Monotype composition. Sponsored by the nonprofit Grabhorn Institute, the apprenticeship program provides intensive work/training for a minimum of two years with the commitment to work a minimum of two years beyond the apprenticeship. Training is conducted by master type caster Lewis Mitchell, who has been employed by this company for 56 years and is the most knowledgeable person in this country on the Monotype system. Apprentices also receive training in other aspects of printing and book making, including computer-generated typography, hand composition, operation of letterpresses, and bookbinding. Read more.

 


Kenny Howard

Kenny Howard interview
Hear an interview of Kenny Howard from M & H Type talking about his work on film titles and typecasting. Includes numerous photos of the typefoundry and the Arion pressroom. View now.


New Type Catalogue!
Now available: download a PDF facsimile of the M & H Type catalog! Includes specimens of hundreds of typefaces and countless ornaments. Download PDF (3.6 MB).


More Catalogue Options


Lewis Mitchell at the caster

Video Tour
See M & H Type featured in a PBS-TV segment on Arion Press. View now.

Monotype Caster


Email News List
Join our email news list to receive notices regarding M & H Type and/or Arion Press. Join now.


Photographic Tour
Browse Michael Carboy's photos of the M & H Type foundry and the Arion pressroom, bindery, and gallery. View now.


Monotype Video

Monotype Video
See a short (noisy!) video of the Monotype caster in operation. View now.