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Just what is the real story behind the London Underground?
Just what is the real story behind the London Underground?
The seminal and pioneering London Underground is more than a mass transportation network – it is a style icon, its history involving some of the most important architects and artists of their time. Exploring Frank Pick’s vision through the development of Metroland to Holden’s innovative designs, David Long expertly weaves the story of the Underground – its abundance of characters (some good, some not so good), design firsts and brand identity – with Jane Magarigal’s atmospheric photography.
You might not think that the son of a draper, and a Lincolnshire born lawyer himself, would be linked to a huge underground systems in London.
Frank Pick lived from 1878 to 1941 and he was somewhat of an austere and lacking on social graces. However in his work as the Commercial Manager of the Underground Electric Railways Company he is to be remembered as being the man responsible for many of its good changes.
He rebranded the London underground and made was keen to ensure that it was presented well and and that it was part of the London landscape, easily recognisable and usable.
PR and branding was not his background and it wasn’t something that many companies knew how to do in those days. Pick led the way
Destination : London Author/Guide: David Long Departure Time: 2000s
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