1938 London Underground Map No.2 - By Hans Schleger
Underground Railway Map Number 2 1938.
Designed by Hans 'Zero' Schleger. Printed by Johnson Riddle & Co Ltd for London Transport. Date code 1/7/1938. Bi-fold card. 22.7cm x 15.3cm. Condition: Excellent lightly used.
The HC Beck map that wasn't. HC Beck's revolutionary 'diagram' was published in January 1933 and instantly embraced by the public. The first series of HC Beck pocket maps ran from 1933-1938, evolving subtly over this period.
However, in 1938 Beck was unexpectedly confronted with a proof by another hand - that of Hans Schleger. In a furious letter to Christian Barman (Publicity Officer) Beck wrote "I have just happened to see a proof of a new Underground folder. The HC Beck diagram has been used but with considerable and, I suggest, undesirable alterations by another artist without reference to me". Fortunately, Barman shared Becks view and agreed to revert to Becks design "when next reprinted". However, this design ran until 1940 seeing 5 print runs.
Though clearly based on the Beck diagram, the thinner lines, thicker interchange stations and use of airbrush techniques gives the map an altogether different feel. In another strange move all LU brand devices have been removed including the roundel logo.
Hans Schleger (who signed his work 'Zero') was a highly accomplished artist and designer in the avant garde style with a mastery in airbrush techniques. He worked with London Transport, designing mainly posters between 1935-1947. In 1959 Schleger was made a Royal Designer for Industry.
Underground Railway Map Number 2 1938.
Designed by Hans 'Zero' Schleger. Printed by Johnson Riddle & Co Ltd for London Transport. Date code 1/7/1938. Bi-fold card. 22.7cm x 15.3cm. Condition: Excellent lightly used.
The HC Beck map that wasn't. HC Beck's revolutionary 'diagram' was published in January 1933 and instantly embraced by the public. The first series of HC Beck pocket maps ran from 1933-1938, evolving subtly over this period.
However, in 1938 Beck was unexpectedly confronted with a proof by another hand - that of Hans Schleger. In a furious letter to Christian Barman (Publicity Officer) Beck wrote "I have just happened to see a proof of a new Underground folder. The HC Beck diagram has been used but with considerable and, I suggest, undesirable alterations by another artist without reference to me". Fortunately, Barman shared Becks view and agreed to revert to Becks design "when next reprinted". However, this design ran until 1940 seeing 5 print runs.
Though clearly based on the Beck diagram, the thinner lines, thicker interchange stations and use of airbrush techniques gives the map an altogether different feel. In another strange move all LU brand devices have been removed including the roundel logo.
Hans Schleger (who signed his work 'Zero') was a highly accomplished artist and designer in the avant garde style with a mastery in airbrush techniques. He worked with London Transport, designing mainly posters between 1935-1947. In 1959 Schleger was made a Royal Designer for Industry.
Underground Railway Map Number 2 1938.
Designed by Hans 'Zero' Schleger. Printed by Johnson Riddle & Co Ltd for London Transport. Date code 1/7/1938. Bi-fold card. 22.7cm x 15.3cm. Condition: Excellent lightly used.
The HC Beck map that wasn't. HC Beck's revolutionary 'diagram' was published in January 1933 and instantly embraced by the public. The first series of HC Beck pocket maps ran from 1933-1938, evolving subtly over this period.
However, in 1938 Beck was unexpectedly confronted with a proof by another hand - that of Hans Schleger. In a furious letter to Christian Barman (Publicity Officer) Beck wrote "I have just happened to see a proof of a new Underground folder. The HC Beck diagram has been used but with considerable and, I suggest, undesirable alterations by another artist without reference to me". Fortunately, Barman shared Becks view and agreed to revert to Becks design "when next reprinted". However, this design ran until 1940 seeing 5 print runs.
Though clearly based on the Beck diagram, the thinner lines, thicker interchange stations and use of airbrush techniques gives the map an altogether different feel. In another strange move all LU brand devices have been removed including the roundel logo.
Hans Schleger (who signed his work 'Zero') was a highly accomplished artist and designer in the avant garde style with a mastery in airbrush techniques. He worked with London Transport, designing mainly posters between 1935-1947. In 1959 Schleger was made a Royal Designer for Industry.
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