Frank Pick

Frank Pick: The Unsung Hero of London’s Transport

Imagine a world where public transport wasn’t just about getting from point A to B but was an experience in itself—colorful, efficient, and designed with the passenger’s comfort in mind. This is exactly what Frank Pick, Hon. RIBA (1878-1941), brought to London’s Underground.

Frank Pick was a British transport administrator who left an indelible mark on London’s transport system through his innovative approach and keen eye for design. He qualified as a solicitor in 1902, but it wasn’t long before he found himself at the helm of the North Eastern Railway, eventually moving to the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL) in 1906.

At UERL, Pick’s vision was clear: to transform public transport into a symbol of modernity and efficiency. He saw design not just as an aesthetic choice but as a tool for improving passenger experience and promoting the growth of London itself.

The Birth of Corporate Identity

How did Pick manage to turn the drab, utilitarian trains into something that could compete with the allure of the city’s streets?

Under his direction, UERL expanded significantly. He introduced a strong corporate identity for the London Underground, introducing the “UNDERGROUND” brand in 1908. This was more than just a logo; it was a promise to passengers that their journey would be smooth and efficient.

Pick commissioned posters to promote trains and buses as a means of reaching the countryside and attractions within the city. He rationalized bus routes, tripling LGOC-operated routes and extending coverage five times its previous size. His efforts were not just about transportation; they were about connecting people with the broader urban landscape.

Designing for the Future

Can you imagine a world where every station looked like an art gallery, with sleek designs and modern architecture?

Pick’s commissions for Charles Holden included the redesign of Piccadilly Circus station (1925-28) and the Underground Group’s new headquarters building at 55 Broadway, St James’s (1925-1929). These stations were not just functional; they were works of art. The new style streamlined and simplified designs to make them welcoming and efficient.

Holden’s designs established a new standard for the Underground, with Sudbury Town being described as a ‘landmark’ in modern architecture. Pick wanted every detail to be perfect, from the poles that accommodated all possible equipment and signage to the integrated design of architectural and engineering elements.

Extending the Network

How did Pick manage to extend the Underground network into areas lacking adequate transport services?

Pick began developing plans to extend the Underground network out into suburbs after the First World War. He approved schemes like CLR being extended to Ealing Broadway, Hampstead tube to Edgware, and C&SLR to Camden Town. For new lines, he considered extending Underground services to the northeast of London on GNR and GER tracks but faced strong opposition.

Instead, Pick developed a plan for an extension of the C&SLR southwest from Clapham Common to Sutton in Surrey. He demonstrated that this route would stimulate residential development and increase passenger numbers, leading to parliamentary approval in 1930 to extend the Piccadilly tube north beyond Southgate to Cockfosters.

Legacy and Impact

What legacy did Pick leave behind for London’s transport system?

Pick’s interest in design led him to found the Design and Industries Association in 1915. He continued to give talks on design, published articles, and wrote extensively on reconstruction and town planning. His work with Ashfield was a testament to his vision of a well-organized transport system.

Transport historian Christian Wolmar considers Frank Pick as ‘almost impossible to exaggerate’ in terms of his influence on London Transport. He is remembered for his contributions through his work with Ashfield, which attracted visitors worldwide and represented a type of confident public administration. His legacy includes bequests such as a painting to the Tate Gallery, archives at Transport for London and the London Transport Museum, and memorials including a plaque at St Peter’s School, York, and a permanent memorial at Piccadilly Circus station.

Frank Pick’s vision transformed not just the physical infrastructure of London’s transport system but also its cultural significance. He was more than an administrator; he was a visionary who believed in the power of design to improve people’s lives. His work continues to inspire and influence transportation planners around the world, making him one of the greatest patrons of the arts in England.