Harry Beck

Henry Charles Beck (4 June 1902 – 18 September 1974), commonly known as Harry Beck, was an English technical draughtsman who created the first diagrammatic Tube map for the London Underground in 1931. Beck drew the diagram after being laid off by the Signalling Department of Underground Electric Railways of London. Although his design was initially rejected, the Publicity Office of London Transport changed their minds after Beck resubmitted an updated copy. The map was first issued as a pocket edition in January 1933 and was immediately popular. The Underground has used topological maps to illustrate the network ever since. Harry Beck wanted to make the network easier to understand by colouring each train route and using only straight lines and 45 degree angles.

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