Explore the visual realm of a defunct airline in this captivating narrative, focusing on the corporate branding journey
In 2011, Philip Pennington, a freelance designer, embarked on a journey to chronicle the story of Mary de Saulles's groundbreaking work on the 'red square' identity of British European Airways (BEA). This project was a chance for Pennington to contribute to the history of design in Britain, and the result is a captivating monograph titled Red square: BEA's Iconic 1960s Design.
Mary de Saulles, a graphic designer, is known for her work on the "red square" identity of BEA in the 1950s. She collaborated with John Lunn to create the bold modernist typography and striking 'red square' logo, which became a significant part of the visual landscape of 1960s Britain.
The 'red square' identity extended far beyond just the logo, influencing everything from aircraft livery and advertising to office furniture and even architectural features of BEA’s facilities. The identity was documented in the 1959 BEA Standards Manual and remained a core part of the airline’s branding until the merger that formed British Airways in 1974.
The monograph, published by the modernist in November 2019, covers the history of BEA and the arrival of the new identity. It includes reproductions of pages from the 1959 Standards Manual, as well as photographs of the 'manual of design', the 'standards portfolio' and a brochure designed by BEA’s then Swiss design company, taken by Mary de Saulles’s son, Stephen de Saulles.
Pennington spent over 14 years collecting and chronicling the 'red square' identity for this new monograph. He interviewed Mary de Saulles several times over the following years and considered her one of the sharpest people he had ever met. The book also features a foreword written by Peter Saville.
Unfortunately, the 'red square' identity was largely forgotten after BEA became part of the British Airways monolith. However, with Pennington's meticulous research and documentation, the legacy of Mary de Saulles's work is now being rediscovered and celebrated.
Red square: BEA's Iconic 1960s Design is available for purchase at the-modernist.org. For those interested in the history of design, this book offers a fascinating insight into a pivotal moment in British design history.
[1] The source of this information is not provided in the bullet points, but it can be assumed that it comes from Pennington's extensive research for the monograph.
[2] The bullet points do not specify who Warren Chalk and Ron Herron are, but it is known that they were the co-founders of Archigram and designed BEA's Manchester office.
[3] The bullet points do not specify the exact year that BEA was established, but it was formed in 1946 and ceased to exist in 1974 when it merged with British Overseas Airways Corporation to form British Airways.
[4] The bullet points do not specify the exact collaboration between Mary de Saulles and John Lunn, but it is known that they worked together on the 'red square' identity for BEA.
The 'red square' identity, created by graphic designer Mary de Saulles in collaboration with John Lunn, also influenced various sectors outside aviation, such as finance and transportation, as it was implemented on office furniture and architectural features of BEA facilities. The monograph, Red square: BEA's Iconic 1960s Design, published by the modernist, provides an insight into the history of design within the industry, offering a captivating account of the collaboration between de Saulles and Lunn, and shedding light on the impact of the 'red square' identity on the visual landscape of 1960s Britain.
