The Symbol: Solid (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
The Original Barbican Logo
This is the Barbican's first logo, the ‘Four B’s’ logo. It was created as part of the Ken Briggs & Associates graphic identity for the Centre.
The Original Barbican Logo
The logo consists of the first initial of the Centre set into the same square format as the pictograms. It's in 'Barbican red'.
Barbican Centre Envelope: Where The Arts Come to Life by Barbican CentreBarbican Centre
The Original Barbican Logo
The idea was probably to communicate the sense of the different art forms coexisting
The Original Barbican Logo
but it was criticised for suggesting they were all facing in different directions.
Black and White Photograph of Barbican Centre with Red Barbican Centre Sign. by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Designing the Logo
Ken Briggs & Associates created a mock up of what the logo could look like on top of the building. This giant signage was never made.
Design Proposal Portfolio: L: Neon Signs/ Exterior: Barbican Symbol: Barbican Centre. by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
Designing the Logo
A neon version of the logo sign was also designed.
Arts Centre Entrance with Four Bs Logo SignBarbican Centre
Brass Barbican
Much of the rest of the signage was produced in brass, and screwed into the famous Barbican bush-hammered concrete.
Barbican B Signage with Concrete on Reverse by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
We have an example of a brass 'B' in our Archive.
Barbican B Signage with Concrete on Reverse by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
On the reverse you can clearly see where it has been fixed to the concrete - some is still attached to the sign.
Barbican B Signage with Concrete on Reverse by Photography by Max ColsonBarbican Centre
We don’t know if it fell off or was taken down on purpose.
Data Sheet Design Proposal: Symbol: Sign Category BP Main Title: 2/18.0 (1980) by Ken Briggs & AssociatesBarbican Centre
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