Jock kinneir and margaret calvert biography samples
With the advent of the new motorways, and the increasing number of drivers, there was a growing need for a universal signage system across the UK network. The existing system was not fit for purpose, as signage styles differed according to the region / county, a variety of writing styles were used, often difficult to read when driving even at a moderate speed.
The Government gave the task to Kinneir and his assistant Calvert, both graphic designers.
Calvert had previously worked with Kinneir, designing the signage for Gatwick Airport, which had proved very successful.
Kinneir and Calvert decided on the use of standard colours and typography, and a simplistic understandable style, which would be easy to understand, at a glance. A style that would not require careful consideration by the driver.
It was also recognised that a standardised system would help to keep the roads safe.
They set about their ‘brief’ as Graphic Designers, designing infographics, in the form of simple maps. After research and development, a new font called ‘Transport’, was developed for all text, with both uppercase and lowercase letters being used. A colour scheme of reflective white lettering, against a non-reflective blue background was adopted.
The signs were used in , along the first motorway in the UK, the M6.
Since the introduction of the standardised signage, Kinneir’s and Calvert’s innovative style has been used around the world.
By the early s, Kinneir Calvert Associates (with Margaret Calvert an equal partner), were awarded the commission, to design the signage for all other roads.
Jock kinneir and margaret calvert biography samples free Browse more items in the shop. About the museum Press office Contact information Work with us. The Government gave the task to Kinneir and his assistant Calvert, both graphic designers. However, there is no need to visit an art gallery or design museum, to see their work.Calvert was responsible for designing most of the symbols / pictograms. She saw this as an opportunity to update the signage, to be more inclusive and representative of present day society. An extensive set of signage was produced, most of which are still used to this day. Although Calvert claims that ‘style’ was never a consideration for the designs, they became a recognised graphical form/style, from the s onwards.
The road signs were so effective, that they are also in use in many other countries.
A testament to the quality of the work of Kinneir and Calvert, is that, every driver recognises the signs and is tested on them, during the Driving Test.
Jock kinneir and margaret calvert biography samples full Buy Eye Eye is out now. Grime of the Road Research Labroatory; G. Practical matters such as illumination, construction, maintenance, siting and clutter were all touched upon. Just as their motorway signs consisted of white lettering against a blue background, they used white lettering for place names and yellow for road numbers against a green background on signage for primary roads, and black lettering against a white background for secondary routes.Also, the designs have become part of our cultural composition, recognised around the world. Their designs have also been shown, as exhibits at the London Design Museum. However, there is no need to visit an art gallery or design museum, to see their work. Just jump in a car, or take a ride on the bus and you will see their work at almost every turn.