Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tube map pioneer Harry Beck will today have his iconic creation officially commemorated on the 80th anniversary of its first public appearance.
An English Heritage Blue Plaque will be unveiled at Mr Beck's birthplace in Wesley Road, Leyton, east London.
Early Tube maps had proved fairly unsuccessful, with creators' concern with geography and distance between stations leading to squiggly hard-to-work-out guides to stations.
Mr Beck's map was different in that it ignored much of what had gone before, favouring, instead, an easy-to-follow grid system on which all subsequent maps on an expanding network have been based.
For instance, Mr Beck worked out that people did not really need to know the distance between stops so much as what the next station would be.
The plaque will be unveiled by London Transport Museum Director Sam Mullins who said: "Beck's map was revolutionary in its simplicity.
"It has become a London icon and influenced the design of many Metro maps across the globe, as well as being the inspiration for many contemporary artists and designers."
Mr Beck, who had started work with London Transport as an engineering draughtsman, was supposed to have been paid just five guineas (£5.25) for the original design.
He died, aged 72, in 1974.
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments