Matrix for Bodoni (No.5) (Typeface Series number: 504)

Matrix for Bodoni (No.5) (Typeface Series number: 504). 12 point. Bronze matrices in original wooden drawer. Drawer marked with suffix IL/C, indicating Italic; Lower case. Manufactured by Monotype Corporation.

A Monotype matrix is a bronze metal die from which type characters are cast. Its top has the right-reading impression of the character (a letter, numeral or ornament) is sunk into the bronze to a depth of precisely 0.05in (0.13cm). Matrices for composition founts are stamped with the series number and the point size, for example 270 12, which indicates the regular weight of Bembo in 12 point.

Matrices come in point (pt) and continental standard Didot (D) sizes from as small as 4.25pt and as large as 72pt or 72D. The size of type governs the size of standard matrix blanks used. Composition matrices are the smallest, measuring 0.2in x 0.2in. They have a conical hole opposite the character that correctly positions the matrix over the mould at the time of casting. Large composition matrices are 0.4in (1.02cm) x 0.4in. The biggest matrices are known as display matrices, used for 14-pt text and above. They are typically 1in (2.54cm) x 1in, but some are as large as 1in x 1 1/8in (2.86cm), 1in x 1.35in (3.43cm), 1 1/8in x 1 1/8in, or 1 1/8in x 1.35in. All matrices are approximately 0.5in (1.27cm) long.

Prior to 1924, the matrix case contained 225 matrices in 15 rows and 15 columns. Later versions of the Monotype caster incorporated a matrix case with 15 rows and 17 columns (255 matrices), and then 16 rows and 17 columns (272 matrices). For the arrangement of matrices in the matrix case, specific unit values were assigned to every row. The matrices were placed in the most appropriate position; wide letters occupying the rows for the highest unit numbers, narrow letters for the lowest. Any matrix can be removed from the arrangement and substituted with another character. The matrix case, inverted and positioned over the orifice of the mould on a Monotype casting machine, shaped the molten metal that was pumped in to form the face or printing surface of a type.

Eighty-two successive operations, including inspections through microscopes, were required to produce every perfect Monotype composition matrix. Composition matrices were made from a remarkable collection of typefaces designed there between 1900 and 1995. It included historical revivals such as Plantin, traditional typefounders’ designs such as Goudy Old Style and original Monotype designs such as Albertus. The Monotype Corporation produced metal matrices as well as machines that composed and cast type. The user of a Monotype machine could cast as much fresh type as they needed from a set of matrices.