Harry Beck
British technical draftsman and graphic designer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Henry Charles Beck (4 June 1902 ā 18 September 1974) was an English technical draughtsman who created the first diagrammatic London Underground Tube map in 1931.[1] Beck drew the diagram after being fired at the London Metro Signal Office.[1]
Harry Beck | |
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Born | Henry Charles Beck (1902-06-04)4 June 1902 |
Died | 18 September 1974(1974-09-18) (aged 72) Southampton, England |
Nationality | British |
Education | Grove House School |
Occupation(s) | Electrical designer, artist |
Known for | Tube map |
Parent(s) | Joshua and Eleanor Louisa Beck |
Although his design was initially rejected, the Publicity Office of London Transport changed their minds after Beck resubmitted an updated copy and the map was first issued as a pocket edition in January 1933. It was immediately popular, and the Underground has used topological maps to illustrate the network ever since. Harry Beck wanted to make the network easier to understand by colouring each train route and using straight lines and 45 degree angles.