When thinking about public transport in London, what comes to mind — apart from the obvious — is the design icons. Whether it's the Johnston typeface, the Harry Beck tube map, the roundel, the Routemaster (whichever model), or Leslie Green's stations, examples are plentiful.
Now, TfL and the London Transport Museum are embarking on an 18-month celebration of good transport design, with events, competitions and exhibitions across London.
The celebration opened last year with the Transported by Design poll to find the city's favourite London transport design icon. Over 10,000 Londoners voted, choosing the black cab as their winner. The series of current and forthcoming events celebrate the role design plays in everyday travel in the city, whether it's in the sleek blue Oyster card or unveiling of Tottenham Court Road's new station.
One of these new permanent gallery, London by Design at the Transport Museum explores how the design of London's transport system evolved. Find some of the stories behind the most iconic transport designs, from the early-20th century until now, including those by Frank Pick, Harry Beck and Charles Holden. They also offer the Johnston Journeys tour- a chance to see how expert in medieval handwriting, Edward Johnston, devised this modern typeface, making London's transport system easier to use.
TFL promises even more celebrations this year, with events set to include a Regent Street festival and a live exhibition allowing visitors to experience different transport icons in their day to day environment. This interactive event will encourage Londoners to look at the design around them and consider its contribution to the London transport system.
For more information, see the Transported by Design website.
