Back to 1928

The history of the Broadway font dates back to 1928 when it was first introduced to the public by the American Type Founder. This sans-serif font quickly gained widespread acceptance, becoming a favorite among many. Its initial release only included uppercase letters, but in 1929, Monotype, under the design of Sol Hess, introduced the lowercase letters for the font. The same year also saw the release of Broadway condensed, another variant by the American Type Founder. In 1954, the company disassociated itself from the Broadway font, marking a significant development in its history. Despite this disassociation, the font's popularity endured, and it continued to be used to evoke the aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s, particularly during the Cold Type era when it was rediscovered. A notable variant, Broadway Engraved, was designed by Sol Hess for Monotype, featuring engraved characters. Another variation, LTC Broadway, is recognized as a decorative typeface and often considered an archetypal Art Deco font. Originally designed in 1927 by Morris Fuller Benton for ATF, it initially showcased only uppercase letters. Later, Sol Hess added lowercase letters, and a engraved version was created for Lanston. LTC Broadway has maintained its appeal over the years and has been utilized in various contexts, including in the TV shows Rhoda and My Life as a Teenage Robot. The font's diverse family contains understandable and readable letters, contributing to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.