ITC Garamond Condensed Bold

ITC Garamond Condensed Bold was designed by Tony Stan in 1975 for the International Typeface Corporation. Unlike earlier revivals that sought to strictly replicate the precise metrics of Claude Garamond’s 16th-century originals, Stan’s version introduced a significantly larger x-height and a more contemporary, display-oriented aesthetic. This specific Condensed Bold weight was crafted to provide a space-saving solution without sacrificing the character's visual impact or inherent elegance.

The condensed variants of ITC Garamond became exceptionally popular in advertising and editorial design during the late 20th century. Its narrow proportions and heavy weight make it an ideal choice for high-impact headlines and luxury packaging where vertical space is limited. While typography purists sometimes debate its departure from traditional Renaissance proportions, its commercial success and readability in tight layouts have cemented its place as a staple in professional graphic design.