Transport for London has placed itself firmly in the 21st century by unveiling a new version of its iconic typeface.
Johnston100 features subtle changes to the original Johnston Sans font, including extra-thin weights, as well as @ and # symbols for the first time.
The Johnston typeface has been used across the transport network on signs and maps since it was introduced in 1916. Commissioned by London Transport's then managing director, Frank Pick, it was famously designed by calligrapher Edward Johnston, who gave the typeface its name.
Subtle updates have been made to the typeface in the intervening years, particularly in the 1970s. Now, 100 years after it was rolled out, the updates have been made by font experts Monotype to facilitate TfL's communications on digital mediums such as apps and social media.
The update coincides with TfL's Transported by Design programme, a series of events which celebrate the iconography of London's transport network.
Claire Williamson, assistant director for London Transport Museum, said: "It’s fantastic that the Johnston typeface has been updated for our digital age. His enduring influence on London is the mark of great timeless design."
The updated design will start appearing on the network later this year.
There's a superb feature about the typeface (geeks note: using the type itself) over at London Reconnections.
