16th Sep, 2026 12:00
London | Ancient & Modern
62
EDWARD JOHNSTON (BRITISH 1872-1944)
A SUPERB 20" DIAMETER BANK TUBE STATION ROUNDEL, circa 1950s
station sign, brass frame, enamelled steel, backed with MDF for hanging
50.3 x 60.8cm
The present signage is an extremely rare and highly coveted example dating from the 1950s, datable due to the distinctive brass surround. Few images evoke a sense of London more strongly, or have been replicated more frequently, than the Underground roundel. Born in 1908, the red disk with horizontal intersection took its form to help distinguish it from the rectangular advertising boards adorning the platform walls. Under the visionary stewardship of Frank Pick (who oversaw the introduction of Harry Beck’s iconic tube map, and the construction of many of the most architecturally significant Underground stations on the network) Edward Johnston was initially selected to re-design the company typeface in 1915, an inspired decision which survives to this day. On the back of this success in 1917 Johnston was tasked with furthering this change by remodelling the sign itself. The solid red disk was hollowed out, to the circle we currently know, and the bar amended to accommodate the new Underground logo. The replication of the sign around the world, across t-shirts, posters and much more is testament both London's enduring appeal and the genius of Johnston’s design.
A SUPERB 20" DIAMETER BANK TUBE STATION ROUNDEL, circa 1950s
station sign, brass frame, enamelled steel, backed with MDF for hanging
50.3 x 60.8cm
The present signage is an extremely rare and highly coveted example dating from the 1950s, datable due to the distinctive brass surround. Few images evoke a sense of London more strongly, or have been replicated more frequently, than the Underground roundel. Born in 1908, the red disk with horizontal intersection took its form to help distinguish it from the rectangular advertising boards adorning the platform walls. Under the visionary stewardship of Frank Pick (who oversaw the introduction of Harry Beck’s iconic tube map, and the construction of many of the most architecturally significant Underground stations on the network) Edward Johnston was initially selected to re-design the company typeface in 1915, an inspired decision which survives to this day. On the back of this success in 1917 Johnston was tasked with furthering this change by remodelling the sign itself. The solid red disk was hollowed out, to the circle we currently know, and the bar amended to accommodate the new Underground logo. The replication of the sign around the world, across t-shirts, posters and much more is testament both London's enduring appeal and the genius of Johnston’s design.
Auction: London | Ancient & Modern, 16th Sep, 2026
London is a city which has had a greater impact on culture around the world than almost any other, and it has never been more important than now to shine a light on its remarkable citizens and history. From Magna Carta to the television London has, again and again, been the source from which progress has radiated. The present sale takes us from a medieval spur found under Cannon Street station, to a medal minted to commemorate the Millennium, from prints and paintings, to clocks and pistols. This sale is a sensational opportunity to acquire a small piece of this incomparable place. Olympia is a proudly London-based auction house and we are thrilled to be offering the inaugural instalment of this sale.
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PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 13th September: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 14th September: 10am to 8.00pm (Drinks from 5pm)
Tuesday 15th September: 10am to 5pm
