99% Invisible 99% Invisible

Doves Type

Sep 15, 2026 · 37m

Summary

This episode tells the story of Thomas Cobden Sanderson and Emery Walker, two friends who founded the Doves Press but later had a bitter falling out over the business. After the partnership dissolved, Sanderson secretly threw their custom Doves typeface into the River Thames over five months to prevent Walker from using it. The narrative, adapted from a live show by Helen Salzman and Martin Ostwick, explores the emotional fallout of their friendship and the typeface's eventual rediscovery by designer Robert Green.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: AT&T Business and Indeed Introduction to the story of a typeface feud Meet Thomas and Emery: Origins of their friendship Founding the Doves Press and Dove Type The success and aesthetic of the Doves Press The friendship breakdown and partnership conflict The long legal battle over ownership of the type Thomas throws the Dove Type into the River Thames Aftermath: Thomas's death and the fate of the ashes Modern rediscovery and recreation of Dove Type Credits and Sponsors: Article, Edward Jones, Progressive Interview: Helen Salzman on creating the live show Discussing musical storytelling and narrative choices Other typefaces lost to the Thames and disposal methods Closing remarks and show credits Sponsors: Mazda, Rexulti, and Angie's List
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