Ludlow Typecaster

The Ludlow Typograph, better known simply as the ‘Ludlow’, is a hot metal typesetting machine. Being specifically designed to cast type in larger sizes, it was most commonly employed in the setting of headlines, advertisements, title pages, greeting cards, posters and any such job which required large type. In Cleveland, Ohio, 1906, Washington I. Ludlow and William A. Reade established The Ludlow Typograph Company. The first Ludlows started appearing in printing plants across the USA in 1913-14. The Ludlow was then gradually incorporated into the Irish Trade and acquired by printing firms depending on their specific needs and budget.

On the Ludlow, a compositor could quickly assemble character moulds (known as ‘matrices’) into a composing stick, lock them in the machine, and cast precise, high-quality type on demand. New type was cast for every job and melted down when no longer required.