typo, The Typographic Game of Chance – Cooper & Beatty, Tony Mann, 1965

Tony Mann was one of the few designers who could adhere to a strong grid without becoming enslaved by it. By placing the heading in the upper right and the logo and contact information in the lower left, he reverses the normal graphic order on this piece.

Notes

One of the more interesting promotional items from Cooper & Beatty is typo, the typographic game of chance from Creative Director, Tony Mann. Based on the popular board game Snakes and Ladders (aka Chutes and Ladders) the game simulates the process of ordering typesetting from an outside type shop, i.e. C&B, with the goal being to see that your job is completed as quickly as possible. Of course, your chances are greatly increased if you land on the pink C&B squares that highlight their high quality and excellent service. Throughout his life Mann was an inveterate maker of amazing toys and games, his unique hand-made toys are prominently displayed in many homes.

Mann’s sense of humour and playful spirit brought an element of humanity to his work. But he was also deeply concerned about the role of the designer in contemporary society and believed that designers had a responsibility to use their skills to improve people’s lives and promote positive social change. – Rod McDonald


Artifact Text:

typo

The Typographic Game of Chance

Any number of people can play! Typo is just like the real thing! Suitable for all ages!

Typo is based on real life!

Enjoy the fun and fury of the graphic arts business without the painful fact of reality.

Relax and take your chance, learn how other people live!

But imagine how the game would be without the pink squares, and remember … Typo is based on real life!

The pink squares are the Cooper & Beatty squares. You are always safe when you land on these because they correspond to C&B service, and that is full of pleasant surprises.

But you land on the white squares at your own risk.

They include a few of the other reasons why people with experience deal with C&B. Remember! Typo is based on real life.

  • Category
    Advertising and Promotion

    Title
    typo, The Typographic Game of Chance

    Date
    1965

    Client
    Cooper & Beatty, Limited

    Credits
    Design: Anthony (Tony) Mann (1927–2013)

    Principal Typefaces
    Display: typo; hand-lettered, most likely based on Standard Medium
    Text: Univers (Monotype)

    Description
    Board game with box containing two dice and six chess-like figures.
    Size: board; 17 × 22 inches, box; 3.25 × 3.25 × .75 inches

    Region
    Ontario

    Languages
    English

    Number of images
    3

    Holding
    Canadian Typography Archives

  • Artifact copyright: CTA was unable to clarify rights but welcomes contact from rightsholders to resolve permissions, if required, and will remove digitized works at the rightsholder’s request (rightsholders may contact CTA at copyright@canadiantypography.ca). CTA makes digitized works available for education and research. Responsibility for any use rests with the user.

    Notes copyright: Notes accompanying artifacts are licenced under Creative Commons licensing CCbyNC which allows for non-commercial use with attribute.

  • For more information about Tony Mann, visit Canada Modern: https://canadamodern.org/anthony-mann/

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