Harvard University Press printer's mark

View diverse versions of HUP's logotype through time.

1924
1925 and 1940
1931
1931 and 1932
1935
1936
1938
1949
1950
1960
New logo
New logo on book spine

Shielded Identity

For a hundred years, Harvard University Press appears to have had no logo it could call its own. When a designer fashioned a title page for a book, or stamping for its spine, or a catalog of forthcoming books, or a flyer promoting them, he or she appears to have turned to the type-specimen book of the Printing Office (the office itself closed in 2002) and used one of scores of Harvard shields found there. Sometimes indecision seized the designer, and one shield appeared on the spine and a different one on the title page. Shown here is a small sampling of the shields that have adorned Press publications. Sometime in the mid 1970s, the use of shields became infrequent, and a simple "Harvard" appeared on book spines, in this typeface or that. 

To help mark its centennial, the Press has adopted a new, cohesive visual identity. The logo takes the form of two vertical rows of three crimson rectangles, with the letter H visible in the negative space between the six rectangles. Sagi Haviv, partner at the design firm Chermayeff & Geismar, which worked with the Press to create the new look, said that it will be well suited for a variety of uses: "The new identity is simple enough that it will be effective both in traditional applications, such as book spines and title pages, and also in digital media such as app icons, browser icons, and e-books."

You might also like

Rachel Ruysch’s Lush (Still) Life

Now on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, a Dutch painter’s art proved a treasure trove for scientists.

Concerts and Carols at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Tuning into one of Boston's best chamber music halls 

The Artist Edward Gorey—and Pets—at Harvard

Winter exhibits at Houghton Library   

Most popular

What Trump Means for John Roberts's Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

Harvard’s Endowment, Donations Rise—but the University Runs a Deficit

The annual financial report signals severe challenges to come.

Harvard Professor Michael Sandel Wins Philosophy’s Berggruen Prize

The creator of the popular ‘Justice’ course receives a $1 million award.

Explore More From Current Issue

A vibrant composition of flowers, a bird, and butterflies with a distant manor under a moody sky.

Rachel Ruysch’s Lush (Still) Life

Now on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, a Dutch painter’s art proved a treasure trove for scientists.

Aerial view of a landscaped area with trees and seating, surrounded by buildings and parking.

Landscape Architect Julie Bargmann Transforming Forgotten Urban Sites

Julie Bargmann and her D.I.R.T. Studio give new life to abandoned mines, car plants, and more.