Carl Dair

Carl Dair (1912-1967) was a highly influential Canadian typographer, graphic designer, and educator, best known for his contributions to the development of Canadian graphic design and his humanist sans-serif typeface, Cartier.

Dair studied at the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal. He was a strong advocate for the importance of typography in visual communication and played a key role in raising the standards of printing and design in Canada. He was a prolific writer and lecturer on the subject, and his work helped to educate a generation of Canadian designers.

Dair's most significant contribution to the field of typography is the Cartier typeface. Commissioned by Canadian Centennial in 1967, it was intended to be a distinctly Canadian typeface. Cartier is a humanist sans-serif design, characterized by its clear, legible forms and subtle calligraphic influences. Though Dair died before its completion, his design was brought to fruition by Rod McDonald. It has become a widely used and respected typeface in Canada and beyond, often employed in government documents and corporate identities.

Beyond Cartier, Dair’s writings on typography and design principles remain influential. He emphasized the importance of understanding the history of typography and the need to design with clarity and purpose. His work helped to establish a uniquely Canadian identity in graphic design, moving away from direct imitation of European or American styles.