Subject

Calligrapher and lettering designer. Born in San José, Uruguay, the son of an army officer. When the family returned to Britain, he studied medicine in Edinburgh for a while, but became fascinated with the art of calligraphy when examining mediaeval manuscripts. He produced headings and initial letters for Cobden-Sanderson's Doves Press, but most famously designed the sans-serif Johnston typeface for London Underground, which is still in use today. Died at his home Cleves, Ditchling, Sussex. More information at London Reconnections.