Who created the underground logo?
Edward Johnston
18. London Underground (1919) The London Underground roundel, designed by Edward Johnston in 1919, has transcended its function as transport signage, and in many ways become a symbol for London itself.
What is the underground logo called?
The Roundel The London Underground
The London Underground logo is one of the most recognised and imitated logos in the world.
What does the underground logo mean?
The original red disk was to attract attention to the station name. Nothing to do with tubes. In fact the circle actually represents London, and the blue bar in the middle of it is the Thames. This was not only the logo for the Underground but also for the whole of what was known as London Transport.
What is a roundel logo?
A roundel is a circular disc used as a symbol. The term is used in heraldry, but also commonly used to refer to a type of national insignia used on military aircraft, generally circular in shape and usually comprising concentric rings of different colours. Other symbols also often use round shapes.
Where did the Tube logo come from?
In 1915, the Underground’s publicity manager, Frank Pick, commissioned the calligrapher Edward Johnston to design a company typeface. By 1917 the proportions of the roundel had been reworked to suit the new lettering and incorporate the Underground logotype.
Who designed the TFL roundel?
Architect Charles Holden
Architect Charles Holden incorporated the roundel design into much of the station architecture of the 1920s and early 1930s. The use of modern graphic posters to advertise public transport began in this period is a ratio.
Why is the RAF symbol a target?
It’s a cunning plan to avoid being shot down because if you aim AT the roundels then you will miss. The secret is to aim in front of the roundels.
What does the RAF roundel represent?
The air forces of the United Kingdom – the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, the Army’s Army Air Corps and the Royal Air Force use a roundel, a circular identification mark, painted on aircraft to identify them to other aircraft and ground forces.
Who designed the London Underground?
Originally considered too radical, Harry Beck’s London Underground Tube map has become a design classic. Now recognised across the world, the Tube map was originally the brainchild of Underground electrical draughtsman, Harry Beck, who produced this imaginative and beautifully simple design back in 1933.
Is the London Underground copyrighted?
The Underground map is recognised the world over as a symbol of London. But did you know it’s protected by copyright and you need permission to reproduce it?
Are roundels copyrighted?
Strict rules exist about how the roundel can be implemented, and copyright exists on its reproduction. Only name/words (companies, stations etc.) already used by TfL can be written through the bar of the logo and any third party wishing to reproduce any of these logos must first seek the written authority of TfL.
How did Edward Johnston change the London Underground symbol?
Edward Johnston altered the proportions of all parts of the symbol, including redrawing letters to a bolder weight, fractionally increasing the size of the bar and expanding the white space at the center of the logo. Johnston’s fully formed Underground symbol was born in 1919. This London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) symbol is from 1933.
What is the history of the London Underground logo?
London Underground logo: A brief history of the iconic design. The specifications for Edward Johnston’s roundel, circa 1925.
When did the Underground logo change to a circle?
By 1917 the proportions of the roundel had been reworked to suit the new lettering and incorporate the Underground logotype. The solid red disc became a circle, and the new symbol was registered as a trademark. Section of an anonymous poster, 1920.
When did John Johnston start teaching lettering?
Lethaby also engaged Johnston to teach lettering, and he started teaching at the Central School in Southampton Row, London, in September 1899, where he influenced the typeface designer and sculptor Eric Gill. From 1901 he also taught a class at the Royal College of Art and many students were inspired by his teachings.