Vintage New York City Subway Signs

$90.00 inc. GST

Explore the rich history of New York City’s subway signage with the Vintage New York City Subway Signs book—featuring over 350 rare photographs spanning the 1920s to the 1980s and in-depth commentary on design, transit and urban culture.

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Description

This Vintage New York City Subway Signs book is a stunning visual journey through the history of New York City’s iconic transit design. From the early 1920s to the 1980s, this beautifully produced hardcover book captures the artistry and evolution of the signs that helped millions navigate the world’s most famous subway system.

Authored by Tod Lange and published by Schiffer Publishing, the Vintage New York City Subway Signs book features over 350 full-colour photographs of original subway signs, mosaics, enamel plates, and directional panels. Each image is accompanied by detailed commentary that explores the materials, typography, and craftsmanship used across decades of design evolution—from the hand-painted wooden boards of the early days to the durable enamel and metal signage of modern transit.

Readers are guided through the remarkable transformation of the New York City Subway, learning how design trends, municipal identity, and functional necessity shaped the signage that became synonymous with the city itself. The book also highlights the role of design studios, transit engineers, and artists who contributed to this enduring visual language.

Perfect for urban historians, designers, collectors, and transit enthusiasts, Vintage New York City Subway Signs celebrates the cultural significance of everyday design. It’s both a historical record and an inspiring design reference for anyone fascinated by New York’s underground world.

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