Charles E. Riddiford

Charles Ernest Riddiford was a British cartographer, who spent most of his career at the National Geographic magazine. He was noted for the elegant use of typography in his works, embraced the challenges of photocomposition and photographic reproduction, and recognised the subliminal impact of the medium on the way information is accepted.

Life Riddiford was born in UK, and after studying in Edinburgh, travelled to America in 1923. and died in 1968, aged 71. His obituary appeared in the Washington Post, May 15, 1968.

Works Riddiford's work was often featured in National Geographic magazine. He worked under chief cartographer Albert H. Bumstead. The typefaces are noted for being both attractive and exceptionally legible. This significantly pre-dates The medium is the message.

In 1954, Riddiford invented a collapsible globe, with an umbrella-like mechanism.

Riddiford's work is held in several museums and libraries.