Frank Pick

Frank Pick
Frank Pick, 1939
Chief Executive/Vice Chairman of London Passenger Transport Board
In office 1 July 1933 – 18 May 1940
Preceded by	New position
Succeeded by	Abolished
President of Institute of Transport
In office 12 October 1931 – 10 October 1932
Preceded by	Sir Arthur Stanley
Succeeded by	Sir David J. Owen
President of Design and Industries Association
In office 2 December 1932 – 8 December 1934
Succeeded by	Lord Melchett
Chairman of Council for Art and Industry
In office 4 January 1934 – 16 March 1939
Preceded by	New position
Succeeded by	Sir Frederick Marquis
Personal details
Born	23 November 1878 (1878-11-23) Spalding, Lincolnshire, England
Died	7 November 1941(1941-11-07) (aged 62) London
Nationality	British

External image

Frank Pick (left) with Lord Ashfield in 1923

Frank Pick Hon. RIBA (23 November 1878 – 7 November 1941) was a British transport administrator. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1902, he worked at the North Eastern Railway, before moving to the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL) in 1906. At the UERL he rose through the corporate ranks, becoming joint assistant managing director in 1921 and managing director in 1928. He was chief executive officer and vice-chairman of the London Passenger Transport Board from its creation in 1933 until 1940.

Pick had a strong interest in design and its use in public life. He steered the development of the London Underground's corporate identity by commissioning eye-catching commercial art, graphic design and modern architecture, establishing a highly recognisable brand, including the first versions of the roundel and typeface still used today. Under his direction, the UERL's Underground network and associated bus services expanded considerably reaching out into new areas and stimulating the growth of London's suburbs. His impact on the growth of London between the world wars led to him being likened to Baron Haussmann and Robert Moses.

Pick's interest extended beyond his own organisation; he was a founding member and later served as President of the Design and Industries Association. He was also the first chairman of the Council for Art and Industry and regularly wrote and lectured on design and urban planning subjects. For the government, Pick prepared the transport plan for the mass evacuation of civilians from London at the outbreak of war and produced reports on the wartime use of canals and ports.