Underground logo with Johnston lettering

The roundel was first developed for London Underground a century ago. It is still used by Transport for London today.The roundel is one of the most recognised and imitated logos in the world.

It first appeared on Underground station platforms in 1908. Originally known as the bar and circle, it comprised a solid red disc with a horizontal blue bar. The device was introduced as a station name board, to help passengers distinguish the station name from commercial advertising.

These humble beginnings marked a significant step towards establishing a coherent graphic identity for the Underground. By 1917 the proportions of the roundel had been reworked to suit the company's new typeface. The solid red disc became a circle and the symbol was registered as a trademark.

Since the 1920s, exact guidelines for the reproduction of the roundel have been issued to standardise usage on publicity, signage, uniforms and vehicles. As well as providing London's transport services with a unified identity, the roundel has become a powerful symbol for the city itself.

The roundel was first developed for London Underground a century ago. It is still used by Transport for London today.