Margaret Calvert is a renowned British graphic designer, best known for her influential work in designing road signage in the UK. She played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of Britain's transport system, making her one of the most important figures in modern typography and design.

In the late 1950s, Calvert studied at the Chelsea College of Art, where she met Jock Kinneir, a design tutor who became her mentor and later her collaborator. In 1957, Kinneir was tasked with redesigning signage for Gatwick Airport, and he invited Calvert to assist him. This collaboration marked the beginning of a decades-long partnership.

Their most significant project together began in 1957 when they were commissioned to create a new, standardized road signage system for Britain, following the expansion of the motorway network. Calvert and Kinneir designed a simple, legible, and highly functional system that replaced older, inconsistent road signs. The font they developed, now known as "Transport", became iconic for its clarity and ease of reading at high speeds. Calvert is also known for her illustrative work on many of the road signs. She personally designed several of the now-famous pictograms used across the UK.

Margaret Calvert’s minimalist, highly readable designs were a model for other countries and helped define a new standard for public information design. In recognition of her work, she has received numerous accolades, including being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016.

Throughout her career, Calvert has also taught design at the Royal College of Art, influencing generations of graphic designers. Her legacy lies in the everyday experience of millions of people in the UK. (hs)