Rudolph Ruzicka

1883-1978

American (New York, New York; Hanover, New Hampshire)

Rudolph Ruzicka was born in Czech Republic, and his family moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1894. At the age of 14, Ruzicka began an apprenticeship in wood-engraving with the Franklin Engraving Co. and attended evening classes at the Chicago Art Institute. He joined the staff of the American Bank Note Co. of New York City in 1903, and later the Calkins and Holden advertising agency.

In 1940, he designed his first type face, called "Fairfield" which was released by the Mergenthaler Linotype Co. He followed that type face with two more "Fairfield Medium," and "Primer." During the 1950s and 60s, Ruzicka turned his attention to the design of medals. Ruzicka was a member of the National Academy of Design, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and an honorary member of the Society of Printers.

Rudolph Ruzicka

Objects

Ruzicka, Rudolph 1883-1978

Peck Slip, New York

early 20th century