Harry Beck, 1902-1974
Main details
| Reference number | 1996/7354 |
|---|---|
| Name | Henry Charles Beck |
| AKA | Henry C Beck, H C Beck |
| Preferred name | Harry Beck |
| Born | 04/06/1902 |
| Collection | |
| Object type |
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| Completeness | 100% |
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Biography
Attribute Value Biography Harry Beck is best known as the designer of the London Underground diagrammatic map.
He was born at 14 Wesley Road, Leyton, on the 4th June 1902, to Eleanor Louisa Beck (nee Crouch) and Joshua Beck.
Beck, worked as a draughtsman for London Transport and submitted a new design to illustrate the Underground system in 1931. At first it was rejected, but he resubmitted with minor revisions a year later, with encouragement from Fred Stingemore. The first print run of 750,000 copies was produced in 1933.
The map simplified the layout of the lines enlarging the central area in relation to the outlying districts and using only vertical, horizontal and 45 degree diagonal lines. Interchange stations were also highlighted. The diagrammatic representation proved to be popular and easily understood by travelers on the Underground.
Over subsequent years Beck refined the map as can be seen by the numerous versions in the collection of the London Transport Museum. His last map was printed in 1960.
Beck also designed a small number of posters for London Transport, and produced sketches and cartoons for the staff magazine.
Henry Beck married Nora Beck, 1933. He started work as a tutor of typography and colour design at the London School of Printing and Kindred Trades in 1947, where he stayed until his retirement. He died on the 18th September 1974 in Southampton.Date of birth Date of death Place of birth Leyton, LondonEmployment Draughtsman,Designed maps and posters for the Underground Group and London Transport, 1931-1949Role Staff,Artist,