Frank Pick | |
|---|---|
 Frank Pick, 1939 | |
| Chief Executive/Vice Chairman of London Passenger Transport Board | |
| In office 1 July 1933 – 18 May 1940 | |
| Preceded by | New position |
| Succeeded by | Abolished |
| President of Institute of Transport | |
| In office 12 October 1931 – 10 October 1932 | |
| Preceded by | Sir Arthur Stanley |
| Succeeded by | Sir David J. Owen |
| President of Design and Industries Association | |
| In office 2 December 1932 – 8 December 1934 | |
| Succeeded by | Lord Melchett |
| Chairman of Council for Art and Industry | |
| In office 4 January 1934 – 16 March 1939 | |
| Preceded by | New position |
| Succeeded by | Sir Frederick Marquis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 November 1878 Spalding, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 7 November 1941 (aged 62) London |
Frank Pick Hon. RIBA (23 November 1878 – 7 November 1941) was a British transport administrator. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1902, he worked at the North Eastern Railway, before moving to the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL) in 1906. He was chief executive officer and vice-chairman of the London Passenger Transport Board from its creation in 1933 until 1940.
Pick had a strong interest in design and its use in public life. He steered the development of the London Underground's corporate identity by commissioning eye-catching commercial art, graphic design and modern architecture, establishing a highly recognisable brand, including the first versions of the roundel and typeface still used today.
Under his direction, the UERL's Underground network and associated bus services expanded considerably, reaching out into new areas and stimulating the growth of London's suburbs. His impact on the growth of London between the world wars led to his being likened to Baron Haussmann and Robert Moses.
Pick's interest extended beyond his own organisation. He was a founding member and later served as president of the Design and Industries Association. He was also the first chairman of the Council for Art and Industry and regularly wrote and lectured on design and urban planning subjects. For the government, Pick prepared the transport plan for the mass evacuation of civilians from London at the outbreak of war and produced reports on the wartime use of canals and ports.