Signage across London's transport network will be brought up-to-date as the iconic Johnston typeface, seen on the Underground for decades, gets a 21st century update.

You'll need the eyes of an eagle to spot the difference though. The updated font - named Johnston100 - is heavily based on the original Johnston typeface designed in 1916 by Edward Johnston, who is considered one of the fathers of modern calligraphy.

So why bother? Transport for London (TfL) admits that it didn't want to meddle with the much-loved signs, but felt that the lighter, contemporary, and more relaxed typeface would make it easier for them to ensure that it was used consistently across all platforms in the digital age.

Jon Hunter, Head of Design at TfL, commented: “The Johnston typeface speaks of London like no other. It has been around 100 years. It will be around 100 more years if not longer.

“I like to think that if Johnston was posed the challenge today of creating a digital version of the font, he would have arrived at a very similar conclusion.”

The updated font will initially appear on Tube maps and posters from July, and will make its debut on actual station signs when the new Crossrail Elizabeth line opens in 2018.