UndergrounD - Diagram of Lines. 1959. London Underground Pocket Map
Designed by HC Beck. Printed by Johnson Riddle & Co for London Transport. 22cm x 15.cm. Card bi-fold map. Print Code: 859/2100Z/500,000. Condition: Excellent unused example.
Unbeknownst to Harry Beck, this would be one of the last issues of the London Underground map to bear his name. This 1959 edition of the London Underground Map is a subtle evolution of Harry Beck’s 1953 major redesign, a major departure from his original principles. This design sees a ‘rectilinear’ treatment of most lines replacing many diagonal lines with vertical ones and further distorting the map from topographical reality. One of the main benefits to this design was the simplification of the circle line.
This design concept didn’t sit as comfortably with the Underground’s Publicity Office. Beck’s last issue of the diagram was printed in early 1960 before being abruptly unseated as designer by Harold Hutchison.
UndergrounD - Diagram of Lines. 1959. London Underground Pocket Map
Designed by HC Beck. Printed by Johnson Riddle & Co for London Transport. 22cm x 15.cm. Card bi-fold map. Print Code: 859/2100Z/500,000. Condition: Excellent unused example.
Unbeknownst to Harry Beck, this would be one of the last issues of the London Underground map to bear his name. This 1959 edition of the London Underground Map is a subtle evolution of Harry Beck’s 1953 major redesign, a major departure from his original principles. This design sees a ‘rectilinear’ treatment of most lines replacing many diagonal lines with vertical ones and further distorting the map from topographical reality. One of the main benefits to this design was the simplification of the circle line.
This design concept didn’t sit as comfortably with the Underground’s Publicity Office. Beck’s last issue of the diagram was printed in early 1960 before being abruptly unseated as designer by Harold Hutchison.
