An innovative and influential designer, William Addison Dwiggins (1880–1956) played a singular and influential role in early 20th century book design and typeface design. Through the recent gift of the Bruce Kennett Collection of W. A. Dwiggins, Bowdoin's Special Collections & Archives' Fall 2026 exhibit explores the broad scope of Dwiggins’ creative life as a calligrapher, type designer, illustrator, writer, and printer (among his many other endeavors). The collection, assembled by Dwiggins’ biographer over the past half century, offers a dynamic understanding of one designer’s life through the eyes of another.

Join Bruce Kennett as he discusses the multifaceted life and career of W. A. Dwiggins, encompassing graphic design, theatrical sets, satire, marionettes, sculpture, printmaking, kite flying, and so much more, with a particular emphasis on Dwiggins’ use of humor and satire, both to advocate for change, and simply to have fun.