The Tube stop ironically shows a map on which it doesn’t feature at all
Finchley Central boasts something unique on the Tube(Image: MyLondon)
The iconic Tube map we recognise today was born in 1931, thanks to Harry Beck. He managed to transform the chaotic London transport network of the time into something comprehensible and user-friendly.
If you find yourself on the southbound platform at Finchley Central, you might notice something that doesn’t quite fit with the modern array of roundels and line colours we’ve become familiar with. On this platform, there’s a framed copy of Beck’s 1933 version of the map.
It provides a unique glimpse into the early days of the Underground’s graphic identity. Before Beck’s version, maps showed geographic distances, leading to a crowded depiction of Central London and underrepresented outskirts. His innovation was to completely disregard geography, focusing instead on clarity and structure.
The map shows Harry Beck’s original design, which ironically doesn’t feature Finchley Central(Image: MyLondon)
Interestingly, Beck wasn’t even a designer – he was an electrical draughtsman for London Transport. This is exactly why his map works so well, as it resembles an electrical circuit diagram more than a traditional map.
Beck received a mere 10 guineas (approximately £10 today) for his idea, which he developed in his spare time. The central area was expanded, while outer zones were condensed to balance clarity and space.
Initially, London Transport considered his design ‘too revolutionary’ and dismissed it. However, it was eventually adopted and has since inspired transport maps worldwide.
So, why does Finchley Central station hold this piece of history? Put simply, it was Harry Beck’s local station, which he used on a regular basis.
Beck lived at 60 Court House Road, close to West Finchley Station(Image: MyLondon)
There’s even a commemorative plaque on the platform that pays tribute to him, which reads: “In memory of Harry Beck, the originator of the distinctive London Underground map, who lived near here and used the station regularly. The map is used by millions daily and has become recognised as a classic world-wide.”
Paradoxically, Finchley Central wasn’t featured on the original 1933 map. At that time, the Northern line only extended as far as Highgate – now known as Archway. The station was already in existence and operational, but it was called Church End and Hendon. It served a completely different line then, which ran from Finsbury Park to Edgware.
It wasn’t until 1940 that it was rechristened Finchley Central, following the extension and electrification of the Northern line. Today, it’s part of the High Barnet branch and provides a connection to Mill Hill East.
Next time you find yourself at Finchley Central, look out for the 1933 map, and spare a thought for the man who brought order to the Tube.
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