In today’s world of branding and visual identity, logos play a crucial role in establishing a company’s image. The London Underground logo is one of the world’s most recognizable logos. But have you ever wondered who designed it?
History of London Underground Logo:
The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is the world’s oldest underground railway system. It first opened in 1863 and has since become one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world.
The Tube’s iconic logo has undergone many changes over its long history. The first official logo was created in 1908 by Edward Johnston, a calligrapher and typeface designer. He was commissioned by Frank Pick, who was then the Commercial Manager of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL).
Who Designed The Current London Underground Logo?
The current version of the logo that we see today was designed by Gerry Barney in 1998. Barney was a graphic designer who worked for the design agency Pentagram.
Barney’s redesign made it easier to reproduce the logo across various mediums, including digital platforms. The new design featured a simpler, cleaner typeface with bold letters that were more legible than its predecessor.
The Meaning Behind The Logo:
Although there have been many iterations of the Tube’s logo throughout its long history, they all share some common elements. The most notable of these elements is the roundel shape.
The roundel shape represents a train station on a map or signpost and has become synonymous with public transportation around the world.
Another recognizable feature is the use of red and blue colors on either side of a central bar. These colors were chosen to represent day and night, respectively.
In Conclusion:
In summary, Edward Johnston designed the first official London Underground logo back in 1908. However, it was Gerry Barney who designed the current version of the logo in 1998, which has become one of the most recognizable logos in the world.
The Tube’s iconic logo has undergone many changes throughout its long history, but it has always maintained a roundel shape and red and blue colors. These elements have become synonymous with public transportation and are instantly recognizable to people all around the world.