Times New Roman
The Serif Typeface That Defined Formal Typography
Born: 1931, London
Designed by: Stanley Morison & Victor Lardent
Commissioned by: The Times (London)
Font Style: Serif
Known For: Newspaper origins, formal tone, high legibility
The History of Times New Roman – Created for The Times, London
Times New Roman was born of necessity. In 1931, The Times of London realised their existing typeface wasn’t pulling its weight – it lacked impact, clarity, and polish. They commissioned typographer Stanley Morison, who collaborated with draftsman Victor Lardent, to develop something better.
A Font Made for Newspapers – And Beyond
What emerged was a font designed specifically for the narrow columns and dense layout of newspapers. It was sharp, readable, and conservative without being stiff. The result? A new typographic standard that would define formal communication for the next century.
Who Uses Times New Roman – Major Brands and Institutions
Its influence expanded far beyond newsprint. The BBC adopted it for structured content, while Yale University and Citibank used it to project academic rigour and financial credibility. Wikipedia relies on Times for neutral, accessible text, and for decades it was the default choice in Microsoft Word – the silent partner in essays, resumes, and policy docs worldwide.
Why Times New Roman Endures – Legibility and Authority
Times New Roman quickly transcended its origins. It was bundled into Microsoft Word in the 1990s and soon became the world’s most recognisable serif typeface. From newspapers and novels to academic papers and legal filings, it signalled tradition, reliability, and clarity.
Some designers call it dull. Others call it timeless. Either way, Times New Roman is here to stay – a font that shaped how we read, write, and communicate with authority.