Canned Typography – poster, Cooper & Beatty, Jim Donoahue, 1971

We believe this to be the second in what became known as the Collection Series – a set of posters designed by Cooper & Beatty creative director Jim Donoahue. The concept was straightforward: gather examples of type and lettering from non-typographic sources, such as old three-dimensional sign letters, matchbook covers, or antique tin cans. These elements were then arranged in an engaging composition, professionally photographed, and printed.

Donoahue understood that other designers would find these letterforms just as compelling as typefaces – and he was right. The posters quickly became highly sought after and were avidly collected. Notably, Donoahue maintained a subtle approach to branding, keeping the Cooper & Beatty name in the background – an understated strategy he likely learned from Allan Fleming. – Rod McDonald

The Morgan Press collection of wood types can be seen at: https://www.peculiarmanicule.com/morgan-press-wood-type-catalog

Artifact Text

Canned Typography
Our thanks to John Sebert for the cans, Ray Webber for the photograph and Herzig Sommerville for the colour separations. Cooper & Beatty, Limited