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Designing the Transport Typeface

13 hours ago
  • #public signage
  • #graphic design
  • #typography
  • Margaret Calvert's designs are integral to UK public life, including road signs, NHS, and rail systems.
  • She co-designed the Transport typeface with Jock Kinneir for motorway signage, prioritizing legibility at speed.
  • The design ignored committee recommendations, drawing from Akzidenz-Grotesk and Johnston typeface for details.
  • Color schemes for signs were carefully chosen: blue for motorways, green for A-routes, and white for B-routes.
  • Her work extended beyond roads to include NHS, airports, and British Rail signage.
  • Calvert also contributed as an educator at the Royal College of Art, mentoring notable designers.
  • The book 'Margaret Calvert: Woman at Work' chronicles her career and impact on public service design.