Middleton, R. Hunter (Robert Hunter), 1898-1985

Robert Hunter Middleton was a type designer, lettering artist, graphic designer, and fine-press printer. Born in Scotland in 1898, he came to the U.S. at the age of ten. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute in 1923, after studying with Ernst F. Detterer. As principal designer for the Ludlow Typograph Co. from 1923 to 1970, he was responsible for the design of many typefaces widely used in advertising and newspaper work. He also served as Ludlow’s art director, and, in the years before his retirement, on its board. Middleton completed graphic and lettering designs for such Chicago institutions as the Art Institute, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and Frances Parker School. His private press, named Cherryburn (for the home of the English wood engraver, Thomas Bewick), specialized in prints made from original Bewick blocks, which Middleton collected (and later donated to the Newberry Library). In 1970 the Newberry published and distributed Cherryburn’s portfolio of one hundred Bewick prints. Through Cherryburn, Middleton also collaborated with Chicago artist Dale Nichols (1904-1995). Another imprint Middleton founded, Apprentice House, published work in collaboration with Imre Reiner (1900-1987), Margaret Varro, and Phillip Reed (1908-1989). Middleton was a founding member of the 27 Chicago Designers and the Society of Typographic Arts, an early participant of the Aspen Design Conference and the Association Internationale Typographique, and an active member of the Typocrafters and other design organizations. In retirement, he taught at Transylvania University, the University of Alabama, Yale, UCLA, and elsewhere.