TJ Lyons, Boston’s Old-Timey Printer
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From 1924 until his death in 1986, in his 93rd year, Thomas J. Lyons (“TJ”) was a collector of vintage wood and metal type fonts who designed and printed using those fonts. Considered a lovable, energetic, colorful Boston character, TJ loved to put multiple typefaces together in an “old-timey” kind of way. His design was rarely particularly sophisticated, and his presswork would not be characterized as fine printing, but he had a lively, witty, downright fun style. In addition, TJ helped many an area designer or advertiser with type selection and made his many fonts available. I used a bit of his type now and then, and greatly enjoyed my 2-3 visits to TJ’s place.
In an era that generally scorned ornate and eccentric 19th-century typefaces, TJ loved them. He was an early leader in the revival of antique typefaces. TJ had been a Linotype operator, then an Army soldier in WWI. He lived an interesting and eventful life, best captured in Al Gowan’s book, “TJ Lyons, A Biography and Critical Essay” (1987, Society of Printers, Boston).
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Stamped on the cover of Al Gowan’s book.
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TJ on the job in 1984, at age 90. (Michael Romanos photograph)
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One panel of a TJ brochure.
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A panel of another TJ brochure.
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A type specimen page.
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One side of a 6-panel brochure.
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A 1974 note to me from TJ.
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Shipping label.
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A couple of pages of type showing, in rough proof.
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Christmas Card, 1950.
The Boston Harbor scene was taken
from the masthead of Gleason’s Pictorial.
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Envelope corner card.
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Printed by TJ.
![](https://www.ephemerasociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ephemera-TJ-Lyons-14-Wannalancit-Textile.jpg)
![](https://www.ephemerasociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ephemera-TJ-Lyons-15-Middlesex-Festival-Committee.jpg)
Two of TJ’s letterhead designs for Boston-area clients.
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Inside spread of a Lyons’ promo folder.
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Business card.
Online searches will reward the interested with more examples of TJ’s work. A great place to start would be David Greer’s postings on Flickr at: