The patented process known as Leggotyping provided a new method for photomechanical reproduction, allowing letterpress printing to incorporate complex imagery. Developed by William Augustus Leggo in the mid-19th century, this innovation emerged from his background in engraving and his professional collaboration with George-Édouard Desbarats, ultimately transforming the way newspapers featured visual content across multiple international markets.
Early Training and Family Foundation
Born in Quebec City on January 25, 1830, William Augustus Leggo was the son of Margaret Grant and William Augustus Leggo, who worked as a bookbinder and engraver. After his graduation from Quebec High School, Leggo entered an apprenticeship to master the craft of engraving. He initially trained under his father before moving to Boston to further his skills under Cyrus A. Swett.
Collaborative Partnerships
Leggo initially operated an engraving business alongside his brothers Thomas, Edward, and Henry. On January 21, 1863, he formed a partnership with George-Paschal Desbarats and Stewart Derbishire, operating as Wm. A Leggo and Company. Following the death of Derbishire in March 1863, George-Édouard Desbarats joined the firm. On February 27, 1865, they secured a patent for Leggotyping.
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The pair founded Leggo and Company in Montreal on January 21, 1868. Their technical advancements supported the launch of the Canadian Illustrated News in October 1869 and L'Opinion publique in January 1870. In 1873, they established the Union Art Publishing Company to launch the New York Daily Graphic, widely regarded as the first daily illustrated newspaper. Although the publication operated until 1889, it failed to achieve sustained financial success, leading to Desbarats' return to Montreal. By 1879, Leggo had also returned to Montreal to form a new business partnership with William H. Guillebaud.
Legacy and Publications
Beyond his technical patents in Leggotyping and granulated photography, Leggo documented his methods in the 1867 publication Un art nouveau, la leggo-typie: procédé photo-électrotypique, breveté au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Angleterre, en France et en Belgique. His work in photomechanical reproduction remained a significant contribution to the printing industry until his death in 1915 at Lachute, Quebec.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 January 1830, Quebec City
- Died: 21 July 1915, Lachute
- Citizenship: Canada
- Primary Occupations: Photographer, Entrepreneur, Engraver
- Key Innovation: Leggotyping
- Key Publication: Un art nouveau, la leggo-typie (1867)
- Notable Business: Union Art Publishing Company
Questions readers ask
What was Leggotyping?
It was a patented photomechanical reproduction process used for letterpress printing.
Did William Leggo work with the Desbarats family?
Yes, he partnered with George-Paschal Desbarats and later with his son, George-Édouard Desbarats.
What was the significance of the New York Daily Graphic?
It was founded in 1873 as the first daily illustrated newspaper.
