Edward Johnston
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- For the Australian politician named Edward Bertram Johnston, see Bertie Johnston
JohnstonSansPrintingBlocks.JPG
Edward Johnston (11 February,1872–26 November,1944), was a British teacher of calligraphy who had a profound effect on typography and calligraphy in the 20th century. He is most famous for designing the sans-serif Johnston typeface that is used throughout the London Underground metro system as well as the famous roundel logo used throughout the system. He has also been credited for reviving the art of modern penmanship and lettering single-handedly through his books and teachings.
from http://adactio.com/journal/display.php/20041215003521.xmlI did a little research (http://www.publiclettering.org.uk/Undergroundstation.php) and found out that the typeface was actually commissioned by Frank Pick way back in 1916. It's the work of one Edward Johnston in whose name a foundation has been formed (http://www.letteringtoday.co.uk/). The typeface was slightly tweaked (http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/allzones/design/font.html) in 1980 but it has been more or less in constant use for almost 90 years.
The collaboration of Pick and Johnston must have been a match made in heaven. They also gave us the superb London Underground roundel.
Students of Johnston founded, in 1921, the SSI - Society of Scribes & Illuminators, probably the world's foremost calligraphy society.
External links
- The Edward Johnston Foundation (http://www.letteringtoday.co.uk/) — dedicated to the promotion of public awareness of calligraphy