Ellie Horvath
For visitors and locals alike, the iconic signs of the London Underground are a familiar sight. From the red and blue roundels to the white-on-black station names, these signs are an integral part of the city’s landscape and a symbol of its rich history.
But where do these signs come from, and what do they mean? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of London Underground signs, exploring their evolution and the stories behind them.
The Origins of London Underground Signs
The London Underground, or “the Tube,” as it is commonly known, is the oldest underground railway network in the world. It first opened in 1863, with the first underground line running between Paddington and Farringdon.
As the network expanded and more lines were added, a system of signs and symbols was needed to help passengers navigate the increasingly complex system. The first Underground signs were introduced in 1908, and featured a red circle with a blue bar and the word “Underground.”
This design, known as the “roundel,” was based on the logo of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL), which operated the majority of the Underground lines at the time. The roundel quickly became the primary visual identity of the London Underground, and is still in use today.
The Evolution of London Underground Signs
Over the years, the design of London Underground signs has evolved to meet the changing needs of the network and its passengers. Some of the key changes include:
1. The Introduction of Station Names
In the early days of the Underground, stations were identified by a single letter or a combination of letters and numbers. This system was confusing for passengers, who often had trouble remembering which station was which.
To address this issue, the Underground introduced station names in 1908. These names were displayed on white-on-black signs, using the distinctive sans-serif typeface known as “Underground.” This typeface, designed specifically for the Underground, is still in use today and is an important part of the Underground’s visual identity.
2. The Introduction of Color-Coding
In the 1930s, the Underground introduced a system of color-coding to help passengers identify different lines and navigate the network more easily. Each line was assigned a different color, and this color was used on signs, maps, and other materials to help passengers identify which line they were on.
3. The Introduction of Electronic Signs
In the 1980s, the Underground began replacing its mechanical signs with electronic versions. These signs were easier to update and maintain, and could display real-time information about delays and disruptions.
The Meaning Behind London Underground Signs
While the design of London Underground signs has evolved over the years, the symbols and signs used today still carry a rich history and meaning. Some of the key symbols and signs include:
1. The Roundel
As mentioned earlier, the roundel is the primary visual identity of the London Underground. It is used on signs, maps, and other materials to identify Underground stations and lines. The roundel is also used on the livery of London Underground trains and buses.
2. The Underground Typeface
The Underground typeface, designed specifically for the London Underground, is used on signs, maps, and other materials to display station names and other information. The typeface is known for its sans-serif style and distinctive lettering, which is easy to read and recognize.
3. The Tube Map
One of the most iconic symbols of the London Underground is the Tube map. This map, which shows all of the Underground lines and their interconnections, is an essential tool for navigating the network.
The first Tube map was created in 1931 by Harry Beck, an engineer who worked on the Underground. Beck’s map was revolutionary in its use of schematic representation, which showed the lines in a simplified and easy-to-understand way. Today, the Tube map is an iconic part of London’s visual landscape and has been imitated by subway systems around the world.
4. The “Mind the Gap” Announcement
Another well-known symbol of the London Underground is the “Mind the Gap” announcement, which is played at stations to remind passengers to be careful when getting on and off the trains. This announcement has become famous worldwide and is now used on many other subway systems around the world.
London Underground Signs for Sale
Many collectors and fans of the London Underground are interested in purchasing original signs and other memorabilia from the network. These items can be difficult to find, as the Underground only releases a limited number of signs and other materials for sale.
However, there are several options for those looking to buy London Underground signs:
1. The London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of transportation in London. The museum has a shop where it sells a variety of items, including original London Underground signs. These signs are often from decommissioned stations or lines and have been carefully restored.
2. Online Auctions and Marketplaces
There are also a number of online auctions and marketplaces where London Underground signs and other memorabilia can be purchased. These include sites like eBay and Etsy, as well as specialist sites like London Transport Auctions.
3. Private Collectors
Private collectors may also have London Underground signs for sale. These signs may be rare or unusual, and can be difficult to find. However, buyers should be cautious when purchasing from private collectors, as the authenticity of the signs may not be guaranteed.
The Future of London Underground Signs
As the London Underground continues to evolve and modernize, it is likely that the signs and symbols used by the network will also change. For example, the introduction of digital signage and real-time information could lead to a shift away from traditional signs.
However, the iconic roundel and Underground typeface are likely to remain a key part of the network’s visual identity. These symbols are deeply ingrained in the history and culture of the London Underground, and are an integral part of the city’s landscape.
Conclusion
The London Underground signs are an integral part of the city’s history and culture. From the iconic roundel to the distinctive Underground typeface, these symbols are an essential part of the network’s visual identity.
For collectors and fans of the London Underground, original signs and other memorabilia are a valuable and interesting addition to any collection. While these items can be difficult to find, there are several options for those looking to purchase London Underground signs, including the London Transport Museum, online auctions and marketplaces, and private collectors.
As the London Underground continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the signs and symbols used by the network change and adapt to the changing needs of the city. Regardless of what the future holds, the iconic roundel and Underground typeface will always be a symbol of the rich history and culture of the London Underground.
