1 - Research Task

Research Task

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London Underground

Harry Beck

The recognisable London Underground tube map was first created by an electrical draughtsman by the name of Harry Beck in 1933. He took inspiration from the circuit maps he drew during his job, and used it to create a map people could read and use easily. Harry Beck stripped the map of geographical location and distance, in favour of ease of use. The underground is notoriously fast and busy, so creating a map that is so quick and easy to use was a very important development for the underground. Having personally used the London Underground a lot, I can say first hand that the maps are a great help, and the iconic design is not only great style wise, but also practically.

Harry Beck's Original tube map

Harry Beck

Becks design was initially rejected due to it being considered too radical of a change, but a trial print was allowed and the success of the design showed them that it was just what the public wanted. Becks design has now become iconic and is recognised all over the world as London's signature map.

London tube map before Harry Becks design