Harrington is not an ancient face with centuries of history. It was designed in the digital era by and released through Spiece Graphics (later absorbed or distributed via MyFonts and other foundries). The typeface was named after a client or inspiration (sources vary), but its stylistic roots are clear: it draws heavily from English roundhand calligraphy and early 20th-century Art Nouveau and Edwardian script influences—particularly the work of lettering artists like Edward Johnston and Graily Hewitt.
In trade publishing (especially fiction, poetry, or lifestyle books), Harrington makes a wonderful display face for chapter titles, drop caps, or decorative pull quotes. It signals “special” without shouting. harrington typeface
The exact origins of Harrington are somewhat mysterious. While some sources attribute it to a typesetter named in 1991, it most likely first appeared in the late 19th or early 20th century in the specimen books of Haddons , a prominent London-based type foundry. Unlike many Art Nouveau fonts of its time, Harrington was notable for including a full character set, making it highly versatile for decorative projects. Visual Characteristics Harrington is not an ancient face with centuries of history