Jim Parkinson, who sadly passed away last Thursday, June 26th, 2025, was one of the designers of the groundbreaking ITC Bodoni series in three optical sizes (ITC Bodoni 6, ITC Bodoni 12 and ITC Bodoni 72), arguably one of the most spectacular Bodoni revivals of all time.
After decades of somewhat “watered-down” modern versions (from the likes of ATF, Bauer, Berthold, Monotype, etc.), ITC Bodoni was a godsend for lovers of the strong Italian flavour that makes the original Bodoni unique – and Parkinson’s own particular sensitivity and taste for gentle mischief (see his remarkable italics in the smallest optical size), were central to this achievement.
U&lc celebrated the release of the family in its Fall 1994 issue with a lengthy report by Sumner Stone, the lead designer on the project, fittingly entitled “Notes from Parma”.
The front cover shown here is set using ITC Bodoni Seventy-Two Book and ITC Bodoni Twelve Bold and Book, as well as ITC Franklin Gothic Demi.