There are rich holdings of punches, matrices and moulds from the principal eighteenth- and nineteenth-century London typefoundries, complemented by business archives and by one of the world's best collections of type specimen books.

Cataloguing and conservation of a major collection, acquired from Stephenson Blake in 1996, is currently being undertaken with the aid of a grant from The Pilgrim Trust.

Research

Research is key to interpreting, safeguarding and revitalising the museum's collections. It underpins the Museum's display, acquisition and preservation of objects. Understanding of the objects in our care, and of their historical context and contemporary relevance, is informed through continuous practical investigation.