subwaysights.com » signs

Helvetica

subwaysights — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 04:27:55 +0000

Our last post mentioned Helvetica, the ubiquitous font found throughout the New York City subway system. A long and wonderful writeup by Paul Shaw discusses the history of the NYC subway system’s use of the font in its attempts to unify its signage.

Meanwhile, an eagle-eyed reader sent in this image of a sign at the 8th Street NR platform. Although the sign appears to be new, the font is certainly not Helvetica.

Circa 1624

subwaysights — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:55:50 +0000

The Dutch founded Brooklyn (Breuckelen) in 1624, but the Swiss didn’t invent the Helvetica font until 1957.

-Submitted by Fallopia Tuba, seen in the Delancey/Essex station

York Street Ain’t Wet

subwaysights — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:58:41 +0000

-Submitted by Beth S., taken on the York Street F Platform