Frank Pick Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Frank Pick (1878-1941) was a visionary who transformed London’s public transport system in the early 20th century. As the Chief Executive of the London Passenger Transport Board (now Transport for London), Pick played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic look and feel of the London Underground that we know today.

Pick believed that good design was essential for creating a functional and appealing transport system. He commissioned renowned artists and designers to create posters, signage, and station architecture that were both aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. Many of these designs, such as the famous roundel logo and the Johnston typeface, are still in use today and have become synonymous with London’s identity.

Under Pick’s leadership, the London Underground expanded significantly, with new lines and stations being built to accommodate the city’s growing population. He also introduced innovations such as the first underground electric railway and the use of escalators in stations. Pick’s legacy extends beyond the transport system, as he was also involved in the planning and development of London’s suburbs, including the modernist Highgate Station.

Pick lived at 15 Wildwood Road in Hampstead Garden Suburb, located in the London Borough of Barnet. This area, known for its innovative housing architecture and community planning, was a fitting place for a man who championed progressive design. Today, a blue plaque erected in 1981 marks the house where Pick resided, honoring his enduring contributions to London’s transport system and the city’s visual identity.