Granada idents typically featured music from 1989 onwards. From my earliest memories, only Channel Four had music in its idents, as BBC Two had its silent 'TWO'. The one thing that impacted on me when the new BBC Two idents came in, in '91, was just how many of them there were and how they varied. There's nothing unusual about that sort of thing nowadays.
Like others I have a certain nostalgic soft spot for the 1988 logo. I do think that the 'official' implementation with the white-on-grey lozenges was probably the worst though. I quite liked the BBC Sport take on it which had coloured letters as well as coloured lines and I also thought it looked quite classy in just plain black and white - provided it was of a big enough size.
It's main weakness for me is that it never worked in small sizes. I've never really got the argument that it wouldn't work 'digitally' which seemed to be the main argument for changing to the 1997 logo back in those heady days of the late 90's/early 00's when you could justify anything in broadcasting with the weakest of arguments imaginable as long as you said 'digital' somewhere.
On reflection however, the 1997 logo does now have a timeless quality to it which probably makes it the best. I certainly would miss it if it changed - but I do wonder how much of that is simply because it has been in use for 18 years and has become so ingrained that changing it seems almost unimaginable.
RS
Rob_Schneider
I agree that 1997 wins it. It's incredibly timeless. It's like road signs. They don't look dated. Occasionally graphic designers get it completely 100% bang on and this is one of these times. Channel 4's logo is another example. That's not needed to change in 33 years.
I wonder, by comparison, how long the present ITV logo will hold on for?
I don't think they'll be that hasty to change the logo, they've essentially established a handwritten wordmark which is far more distinctive than the 2006 logo. Its much more flexible, especially if they want to ditch the colour-picking concept.
I don't think they'll be that hasty to change the logo, they've essentially established a handwritten wordmark which is far more distinctive than the 2006 logo. Its much more flexible, especially if they want to ditch the colour-picking concept.
Indeed, they have already shown that the logo works well in various different colour schemes. It's a strong enough logo to survive into future refreshes.
I agree that 1997 wins it. It's incredibly timeless. It's like road signs. They don't look dated. Occasionally graphic designers get it completely 100% bang on and this is one of these times. Channel 4's logo is another example. That's not needed to change in 33 years.?
Both designed by Martin Lambie-Nairn. I really admire him and his work. Too bad he's stopped designing now.
You can actually nominate him to appear on the next £20 note since they're looking for people from the 'visual arts'. Yes it's a long shot but you never know
You can actually nominate him to appear on the next £20 note since they're looking for people from the 'visual arts'. Yes it's a long shot but you never know
