Britain boasts so many iconic signs that are powerful symbols helping to define our national and cultural identity and telling the story of our shared cultural heritage.
Signs are crucial builders of our environment. They reflect ourselves back at us, instantly recognisable as they guide and enrich our daily lives.
So let’s take a look at a number of distinctly British – and distinctively Mancunian - signs we may take for granted and what they tell us about how we’ve become the nation we are today.
Commemorative Signage: Blue Plaques
The blue plaques scheme, now run by English Heritage, is one of the oldest forms of commemorative signage in the world. Since 1866, these circular blue signs have marked the homes and workplaces of notable figures from British history, building up a unique biographical map of the country.
What makes blue plaques particularly interesting is their democratic ambition – they celebrate not just the traditionally famous, but also innovators, reformers, artists and local heroes who might otherwise be forgotten. Each one tells its own story, connecting us with the past and reminding us of a shared cultural heritage.
Manchester alone has dozens of blue plaques, commemorating significant events in the city, such as the site of the Peterloo Massacre, social reformers, such as Robert Owen (in St Anne’s Square), and popular icons, such as Doris Speed of Coronation Street fame, who is commemorated in Chorlton.
Transport Signs
Britain's road signs were standardised during the 1960s following the recommendations of the Worboys Committee and represented a particular triumph of British design. The clean, modern aesthetic created by Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert remains largely unchanged today, proving how thoughtful, user-centred design is practically timeless.
Interestingly, many of these signs reflect distinctly British preoccupations. The 'children crossing' sign, for example, was based on one of Calvert's own photographs from her childhood, replacing the previous design of a boy in a cap leading a girl – a subtle but significant shift towards a more modern and equal society.
Despite the fact that the old British Rail is no more, its famous ‘double arrow’ design is still seen at practically every railway station across Britain, whilst the equally famous London Underground roundel represents one of the most successful piece of corporate branding in British history. Created in 1908 by Frank Pick and developed by Edward Johnston, the Underground sign system revolutionised the way people find their way around public spaces. In fact, Johnston's sans-serif typeface, designed for the Underground in 1916, became so influential that it helped shape modern graphic design. This clarity and simplicity demonstrated how good design could make complex systems accessible to everyone, regardless of their language skills. Manchester’s own modern tram network incorporates similar values of clear signage and a highly schematised network map to ensure maximum usability by locals and visitors alike.
Retail Signs Telling A Story
Traditional British shop signs have had their own fascinating evolution through centuries of history, from the striped pole of the barber's shop - a reminder of the profession's somewhat bloody past - to the three gold balls of the pawnbroker - derived from the Italian Medici family crest.
Many traditional pub signs in particular offer glimpses into local history, royal patronage or forgotten traditions. The 'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem' in Nottingham, for instance, claims to be one of England's oldest pubs, its sign referencing Crusader knights who allegedly gathered there before departing for the Holy Land. Manchester’s own ‘Peveril of the Peak’ draws its name from an old horse-drawn stagecoach that used to travel between London and Manchester in a super-fast mere two days! (A feat currently matched by Avanti West Coast).
The Evolution of British Sign-Making
The craft of sign-making itself is deeply rooted in British artisanal culture. From the hand-painted signs of Victorian shopfronts to the neon lights of the swinging sixties, each new era has brought its own distinctive contribution to our visual landscape. Traditional sign-writing skills, once threatened by digital printing, are now experiencing a revival as businesses seek to stand out with authentic, handcrafted signs.
Modern Challenges and Future Directions
Today, British signage faces new challenges and opportunities. Digital displays offer dynamic possibilities for information sharing, but concerns about light pollution and energy consumption drive innovation in finding sustainable signage solutions. Heritage considerations often need to be balanced against modern requirements for accessibility and inclusivity.
Yet even as technology evolves, many traditional British signs maintain their relevance and emotional resonance in our increasingly digital world. Physical signs play a vital role in maintaining our connection to place and history. They serve as anchors of local identity, helping to preserve the distinctive character of our towns and cities against encroaching blandness.
British signs often embody our national love of tradition balanced with pragmatic innovation, an appreciation for understated design, and a willingness to adapt historical elements for modern purposes. As we look to the future, organisations like the Letterheads movement and the Traditional Sign Writing & Glass Gilding Trust work to maintain traditional skills, while museums and heritage bodies increasingly recognise the importance of preserving historic signs.
How Can We Help You?
As signage from blue plaques to pub signs has shown, British signs are far more than just practical tools for conveying information: they're vital elements of our cultural landscape that help tell the story of who we are as a nation. They remind us of our history, guide us through our present, and will continue to shape our future visual environment.
As we move forward, the challenge will be to maintain the distinctive character of British signage whilst embracing new technologies and meeting modern needs. Concerns over inclusivity and environmental impact, for examples, are now crucial considerations when commissioning and designing signage.
We at FASTSIGNS Manchester are proud to take up the challenge of contributing to our evolving built environment, preserving the best of the past and blending it with the most exciting elements of the new. With so many elements going into the creation of successful signage, let us be your guide and help your business to become part of the ongoing story of British signage!