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
Listen ad-free on Castria