The academic world of design is mourning the loss of Professor Michael Twyman, a foundational figure in British typography education, who has died at the age of 91. As the founder of the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication at the University of Reading, his pioneering work established typography as a serious university discipline.
The Architect of Modern Typography Education
Michael Twyman's vision for teaching typography was revolutionary for its time. He moved beyond mere practical skill, creating a curriculum that fused history, theory, and hands-on practice in graphics, typefaces, and information design. His innovative approach drew from diverse fields including linguistics, psychology, and social history to comprehensively address the concept of "design for reading."
This interdisciplinary model, established in the mid-1970s, proved to be his enduring legacy. It framed visual communication as a form of rational thinking applicable to any media, ensuring the discipline could evolve to meet the challenges of the digital age through targeted research.
A Life Dedicated to Print and Scholarship
Born in London to Lawrence, a teacher, and Gladys Twyman, Michael's education at Sir George Monoux grammar school was interrupted by wartime evacuation to Broadway in the Cotswolds. This experience fostered a lifelong affection for historic buildings and landscape.
His academic journey began with a fine art degree at the University of Reading in 1953. After graduation, a university scholarship enabled him to research the history of lithography. Following a postgraduate teaching qualification at Cambridge, he was invited back to Reading in 1959 to teach typography within the fine art course.
His scholarly impact was cemented in 1970 with the publication of "Printing 1770-1970," a work that became a classic in graphic design history. Upon formally founding the dedicated department in 1974, he was appointed professor.
A Lasting Legacy in Design and Family
Twyman's influence extended globally through the generations of students he inspired, many of whom assumed leadership roles in the design industry and major technology firms. His commitment to scholarship never waned, even after his retirement in 1998.
He later fulfilled a long-held ambition by publishing "A History of Chromolithography: Printed Colour for All" in 2013. His most recent work, "Reproducing the Bayeux Tapestry Over Three Centuries" (2024), was poignantly dedicated to his daughter Nikky, who died shortly before its publication.
He is survived by his wife, Nin Andrews, whom he married in 1957, their sons Jeremy and Dan, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The department he built at Reading stands as a permanent monument to his visionary approach to design education.
