Lewis Smith – What’s behind one of the world’s most famous logos?

The iconic British Rail logo is one of, if not, the most recognisable brand images in the world. But what is behind the logo? What do these iconic double arrows reflect and what imagery does it conjure in our collective mindset?

While some people might imagine dirty, late or cancelled trains, Dr Lewis Smith, Marketing Lecturer from Brunel University, London argues that this icon represents a dynamic, ahead-of-its-time organisation that pivoted to meet changes in culture, society and travel making it one of the most advanced marketing organisations of its era.