{"id":19313,"date":"2010-08-04T10:25:04","date_gmt":"2010-08-04T17:25:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mehallo.com\/blog\/?p=19313"},"modified":"2010-08-01T23:44:08","modified_gmt":"2010-08-02T06:44:08","slug":"blue-and-red-the-london-underground-bullseye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mehallo.com\/blog\/archives\/19313","title":{"rendered":"Red and blue: The London Underground ‘bullseye’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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One of the first modern icons of the 20th century, The London Underground’s ‘bullseye’ passed the 100 year mark recently – and to celebrate, 100 artists were brought in to interpret the symbol and its legacy. <\/p>\n


\nAlternate London Underground bugs, before standardization<\/em><\/p>\n

tube history<\/strong>
\nThe London Underground’s ‘identity’ is considered one of the world’s first cohesive corporate design systems. <\/p>\n

‘Identity’ would become big business over the next 100 years – the Underground’s approach is all about finding one’s way. Look for the circle and line, and you’ll know where the train will be. <\/p>\n

Throw in Edward Johnston’s railway typeface<\/a> (he also developed the bullseye) and Henry C. Beck’s map<\/a> – and it’s a pretty decent system. Enough to be copied by other transit authorities<\/a> worldwide.<\/p>\n

My personal favorite is this Tube interpretation of the US Interstate system.<\/a><\/p>\n


\nPoster by McKnight Kauffer<\/em><\/p>\n

tube art<\/strong>
\nThe Underground has a close tie to the art scene – over the years, artists were brought in to create posters showcasing seasonal trips, schedules,<\/a> sales or the power of the Underground (above).<\/p>\n

Even current tube maps continue this legacy – they showcase cover art by Barbara Kruger, Yinka Shonibare, Liam Gillick (below) and others.<\/p>\n

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For more info, visit the 100 years site here, <\/a>selected posters posted below. Going Underground’s<\/em> article here<\/a> (Going Underground<\/em> is a great Tube fan site). <\/p>\n

Plus, Tube map cover gallery here<\/a> and museum site here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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