'Johnston100'

To celebrate 100 years of Edward Johnston's iconic typeface, TfL has asked Monotype to re-design the font for the modern age

By Rosa Bertoli
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In a busy city like London, the commuter system must provide easy instructions for moving around in a timely fashion.  

One hundred years ago, the calligrapher Edward Johnston designed the timeless 'Johnston' typeface. Considered one of the most provocative and quirky typefaces of the time, the font gained status quickly, and is now the ubiquitous 'face' of TfL.

Today, to mark this centenary, Monotype has been commissioned by TfL to re-design the font and suit it to today’s digital needs. 

With 'Johnston100', Monotype has modified the typeface by introducing a slightly wider design and two new lighter variations: 'Thin' and 'Hairline'. The new font will be rolled out across London’s transport system over the course of the next 18 months, with the opening of the Elizabeth Line.

Rosa Bertoli

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.

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