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Richard Godwin's rating
Mind the classic tube logo, please
By
Richard Godwin
14 Oct 2008
In 1908, London Underground needed a symbol for its newly unified network. Chief executive Frank Pick plonked a blue bar on a red circle and a design classic was born.
It took Edward Johnston, a calligrapher, to hollow out the circle, refine the proportions and modify the typeface in 1917 but that has been the only major alteration to the design in 100 years. The roundel remains one of the world’s most recognisable logos, a symbol in itself of the Underground’s legacy of good design.
To celebrate its longevity, London Underground has handed it over to 100 artists to mess up as they choose. A free exhibition in Shoreditch showcases their efforts — from Peter Blake’s colourful interpretation, to Steve Claydon’s elegant astronomical motif (right), which echoes a Man Ray poster of 1933.
Particulary juicy is Doug Fishbone’s version of Cranach’s Venus, an image recently banned from the Tube. In Fishbone’s version, the logo conceals her naughty bits, thus sparing the blushes of commuters.
A selection of the works will later be on display on Tube platforms —and there’s an auction of the originals on the website if one takes your particular fancy.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
