The Matrix Factory

The Type Drawing Office at Monotype sat alongside a number of other departments such as the Matrix Factory and the Machine-making Department, which together played an essential role in supplying typefaces for the Monotype. They were all part of the Monotype Works, a large industrial plant in Salfords, Surrey (UK).

The Matrix Factory was a department that employed many female staff, who contributed to producing Monotype typefaces on a daily basis. Staff were responsible for cutting punches, as well as producing and checking the matrices of typefaces that would eventually be sold alongside Monotype machines. As photographs show, many young female staffed the Matrix Factory. In contrast, the Machine-making Department employed a majority of male workers. 

The Monotype Works in Salfords, Surrey, c. 1973. © Monotype archives

Monotype employees operating the punchcutting and matrix-making machines, early twentieth century. © Monotype archives

View of the Matrix room at the Monotype Works, Salfords, c. 1928. © Monotype Archives

A Monotype employee operating a punchcutting machine, c. 1955. Courtesy Richard Cooper

Monotype employees testing matrices for depth of drive, c. 1955. Courtesy Richard Cooper

Monotype employees checking the accuracy of copper patterns used in the production of hot-metal matrices, undated photograph. Courtesy Richard Cooper