Jock Kinneir was a pioneering British graphic designer, known for his profound influence on public signage systems in the UK. Born in Aldershot, Hampshire, he was raised by his grandparents after his parents separated. He attened the Chelsea School of Art, where he studied engraving, illustration, and painting. During World War II, Kinneir served in the Royal Artillery.
After the war, Kinneir worked as a designer at the Central Office of Information, contributing to exhibition design and later joining the influential Design Research Unit (DRU). In 1956, he established his own practice and began teaching part-time at Chelsea School of Art, where he met Margaret Calvert, a future collaborator.
Kinneir’s most famous contributions came in the realm of public transport signage. In 1958, he was commissioned to design the signage for Gatwick Airport, a project that led to further work for British Rail and the Ministry of Transport. His partnership with Calvert was pivotal in the creation of the UK's modern road sign system.
Kinneir retired in 1980, focusing on writing and painting in Oxfordshire. He passed away in 1994, leaving a legacy that transformed the visual landscape of public information in the UK. His work, especially the road signs, remains a testament to his vision for clear, functional design. (hs)