The Boston College collection of George F. Trenholm consists of a wide range of materials relating to graphic design and typography in the first half of the twentieth century, including both the creative works of Trenholm and materials acquired by him in the course of his design career.

Trenholm’s creative work is represented by samples of his graphic designs, typefaces, advertising work, greeting cards and calligraphy. Materials document every phase of the design process, from early mock-ups to final proofs and their printing plates. His design work is further documented in his own words through correspondence, notes, talks, and published articles. Trenholm’s writings are complemented by articles published about him in trade publications during his lifetime.

The collection also comprises materials used by Trenholm in the process of his creative work. Of note are materials relating to his fellow designers F. W. Goudy, W. A. Dwiggins, Theodore B. Hapgood, and Beatrice Warde. Trenholm collected numerous keepsakes--hand lettered mementos of professional meetings and gatherings, often autographed--which together provide an informal history of the typographic industry. His collected materials further document the breadth of the design industry of his era through specimen advertising pages and paper samples.