The London Underground is one of the most iconic symbols of London, transporting millions of people every day. The famous symbol for the London Underground is as recognizable as it is simple, with its bold red circle and blue bar running through the center. But what does this symbol represent, and how did it come about?
The Origins of the Symbol
The London Underground symbol was first designed in 1908 by Edward Johnston, a calligrapher and teacher at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. At the time, there was a need for a clear and distinctive symbol to identify London’s new underground rail system. Johnston’s design was inspired by the simplicity and legibility of roundel symbols used on railway signs in continental Europe.
The Design Elements
The red circle represents the train line, while the blue bar signifies a station on that line. The boldness of these elements ensures that they are visible from a distance and easily recognizable.
Johnston also chose to use a distinctive typeface for the lettering within the circle. This typeface, known as Johnston Sans, has become synonymous with the underground system itself.
The Evolution of the Symbol
Over time, minor changes have been made to Johnston’s original design. For example, in 1917, a solid blue disc was added to indicate stations where passengers could interchange between different lines.
In 1924, Harry Beck designed his now-famous map of the underground system. This map was revolutionary in its simplicity and clarity, but it required some modifications to Johnston’s roundel symbol to make it work effectively with Beck’s diagrammatic map.
The resulting symbol featured a smaller circle within a larger one. The smaller circle contained the station name or interchange information while still retaining its position on top of horizontal lines representing tracks.
Conclusion
Today, Johnston’s original design remains at the heart of the London Underground’s branding. The simple, bold symbol is instantly recognizable around the world and has become an integral part of London’s identity.
In conclusion, the London Underground symbol is a perfect example of how good design can stand the test of time. Its simplicity and boldness make it an excellent visual representation of London’s underground transport system to this day.