If you’ve ever been to London, you must have noticed the unique font used for the street signs. It’s a distinct and iconic typeface that adds character to the city’s landscape. In this article, we’ll explore what font is used for London street signs and its history.
What is the name of the font used for London street signs?
The font used for London street signs is called Transport or Johnston. It was designed by Edward Johnston in 1913 specifically for London Transport. The typeface has since become an iconic part of London’s visual identity.
What makes this font so distinct?
Transport or Johnston is a sans-serif typeface, which means it doesn’t have any decorative lines at the end of each letter stroke. This gives it a clean and modern look that’s easy to read from a distance.
One of the most distinctive features of this typeface is its round punctuation marks. The dots on ‘i’ and ‘j’ are perfectly round, as are the commas and full stops.
History of Transport or Johnston Typeface
Edward Johnston was commissioned to design a new typeface for London Transport in 1913. The goal was to create a clear and legible font that could be read quickly by commuters rushing through stations.
Johnston drew inspiration from classical Roman letterforms, which he simplified and streamlined to create a modern design. He also made sure that each letter had consistent stroke widths, making them easier to read both up close and from afar.
The original design featured slightly curved letterforms, but these were later straightened out in subsequent versions of the typeface. Today, Transport or Johnston remains largely unchanged from its original design over 100 years ago.
How is it still used today?
Transport or Johnston is still widely used across London today, not just on street signs but also on public transport signage, maps, and logos. It has become an integral part of London’s visual identity and is instantly recognizable.
In recent years, the typeface has also been adapted for use online, making it easier to incorporate into digital designs while still maintaining its distinctive look and feel.
Conclusion
The Transport or Johnston typeface is an iconic part of London’s visual identity. Its clean and modern design makes it easy to read from a distance, while its unique round punctuation marks add character and charm.
Designed over 100 years ago by Edward Johnston, this typeface remains largely unchanged today. It continues to be used on street signs, public transport signage, maps, and logos across London, and has even been adapted for use in digital designs.
So next time you’re wandering the streets of London, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Transport or Johnston – one of the city’s most iconic design elements.