London Underground Signs FAQs (Materials, dimensions, font & more!)
The London Underground and its distinctive aesthetic is a defining part of what makes London such a great world city. The London Underground signs, in particular the logo or ’roundel’, are British icons and can be seen all over London.
There are several types of signage that are used in and around Underground stations including vitreous enamel signs and roundel silhouettes.
Read on to find out some interesting facts about London Underground signs and how you can even buy your very own!
The evolution of the Underground logo
Originally appearing in 1908, the red disk and blue bar was standardised as part of Frank Pick’s vision for a corporate design vocabulary for the Underground system after the First World War.
In 1912, further changes were made when the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) became part of the Underground Group. The LGOC’s winged wheel logo and the bar and disc were incorporated to form the basis of the roundel trademark as we know it.
Edward Johnston created the typeface that is still used across all TfL signage and written material and later adapted the Underground station signs into the “bullseye” design which has evolved into the Roundel logo we see today.
About a decade later it was the architect Charles Holden who then further developed the sign into an architectural silhouette roundel, as part of the expansion of the tube during the late 1920s and 1930s.
The latest roundel iteration was designed in 1985 by Henrion Ludlow & Schmidt.
So highly revered is the London Underground aesthetic that A.J Wells were requested to manufacture and install a memorial to Frank Pick, the London Underground design visionary who shaped the look of the iconic London Underground.
Marking the 75th anniversary of Pick’s death the artwork consists of cast bronze lettering in the New Johnston font and a backlit roundel bearing his name manufactured in the A.J Wells workshops. Find out more…
What does the London Underground sign symbolise?
The red disk is designed to attract attention to the station name. The circle symbolises London, and the blue bar in the middle of it represents the Thames.
What is the London Underground sign font?
New Johnston Medium is the London Underground and London Overground’s corporate font and is used for all signs within the passenger environment. New Johnston is a highly legible font and sets a ‘friendly’ tone which suits the Underground environment perfectly.
The typeface has become so iconic, in fact, that A.J Wells managed and installed an Edward Johnston Memorial at Farringdon Station to commemorate the creator of the London Underground typeface. The work comprises enlarged Johnston font hardwood print block lettering from Z to A, with each letter measuring approximately 470mm in height. Each letter is a close representation of the original Johnston print block letters and was designed by Fraser Muggeridge. Find out more…
What material are the London Underground Signs made from?
Vitreous enamel is the material of choice for the London Underground’s signage and cladding, for whom we are the principal supplier. After a review of the tragic King’s Cross fire in 1987, vitreous enamel was specified to replace combustible materials throughout the London Underground. Unlike plastics, paints and wood, vitreous enamel is fire-resistant and exceptionally long-lasting and this is why the famous signs, maps and cladding are made from this unique material. Find out more about the process here…
What are the dimensions of London Underground Signs?
Signs vary across stations, however, the most common dimensions for roundels are:
- 750mm x 630mm
- 973mm x 798mm
Elizabeth Line station and signs
The latest addition to the London Undergrounds colour pallet is from the newly opened Elizabeth Line station. The opening coincided perfectly with the Jubilee Celebrations which meant the distinctive Royal purple colour used on the new Underground signage spilt onto the streets making the festivities feel even more special. Find out more…
Have you ever wanted to own your own London Underground Sign?
Well now you can! You can buy 100% authentic, vitreous enamel London Underground signs, which we make to order, to the exact specification as seen at the stations around London.
If you fancy something with a personal touch, you can commission a bespoke version by sending us details of your requirements and we’ll be happy to provide you with a quote for your sign.
Whether it’s your home, a football club or somewhere with a special memory – we all have special links with London Underground Stations. Click here to order your sign today.