World-famous Westminster street signs to be protected

The world-famous street signs of Westminster, which have featured on countless postcards, mugs and t-shirts are to be protected against counterfeiters and copyright cheats for the first time in their 40 year history.

Westminster City Council is now the sole owner of the iconic red and black-lettered signs, many of which mark London's best known locations including Carnaby Street, Abbey Road, Baker Street, Whitehall and Downing Street.

Anyone wishing to reproduce the signs, which were created by legendary design guru Sir Misha Black in the 1960s, needs permission from the Council after it bought the copyright to their original drawings and design briefs from his estate.

Councillor Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Development, said: "Westminster's street signs are an integral part of London life and very popular with the millions of visitors that the City hosts every year."

"We bought the copyright as we felt we needed to retain an element of control over the signs to maintain Westminster's image as a world tourist destination."

"As we now have the copyright the Council has exclusive rights to reproduce the signs and grant licences to people wishing to reproduce them."

"Anyone wishing to copy them should in the first instance contact the Council to discuss their particular requirements as breaches of copyright could result in prosecution and a heavy fine."

Copyright fees levied by the Council will be ploughed back into front line services for Westminster's residents.

Created by Sir Misha Black in 1967, the enamelled steel signs have become synonymous with Westminster and are universally acknowledged as a design ic.

The Council bought the copyright from Sir Misha's estate which is represented by his son Oliver Black.

Westminster's trading standards team will monitor breaches of copyright and report any infringes to its legal department.

The signs may be used in official Council publications to help advertise Westminster's many attractions.

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