Berthold

H. Berthold AG was a German type foundry founded in 1858 in Berlin. The company became one of the most important type foundries in Europe, known for innovative typeface designs and precision typesetting equipment.

Akzidenz-Grotesk Legacy

Akzidenz-Grotesk, released in 1896, is arguably the most influential sans-serif typeface ever created. Its straightforward, unadorned letterforms laid the groundwork for twentieth-century modernist typography and directly influenced Helvetica and countless other designs.

History

Founded by Hermann Berthold as a type-casting company, Berthold grew to become a major force in European typography. The company pioneered phototypesetting technology and produced high-quality metal and digital typefaces throughout its history.

Notable Typefaces

Berthold's library includes foundational designs:

• Akzidenz-Grotesk - The original grotesque sans-serif
• City - A geometric slab serif
• Imago - A contemporary humanist sans
• Lo-Type - A distinctive display face

Cultural Impact

Akzidenz-Grotesk became the preferred typeface for Swiss Style designers in the mid-twentieth century. Its influence can be seen in corporate identities, signage systems, and modernist design worldwide.

Modern Era

After various ownership changes, the Berthold library is now managed and distributed by Berthold Types. The foundry continues to maintain and expand the Akzidenz-Grotesk family with new weights and variants.