The Story Behind Seattle’s Iconic Logo A History of the Umbrella

Seattle, known for its rainy weather, has adopted the umbrella as its iconic symbol. The umbrella can be seen on city signs, logos, and merchandise. But how did the umbrella become Seattle’s symbol?

The story behind Seattle’s iconic umbrella logo dates back to the 1960s. In 1961, the Seattle World’s Fair was held, and the theme was “Century 21”. The fair showcased futuristic technology and innovations. One of the most popular exhibits was the “Bubbleator”, a transparent elevator that took visitors on a tour of the fairgrounds.

The Bubbleator was designed by Seattle architect John Graham Jr. and was inspired by the shape of an umbrella. The Bubbleator was a hit and became a symbol of the fair. When the fair ended, the Bubbleator was dismantled, but the umbrella shape remained as a symbol of Seattle.

In 1971, the city of Seattle adopted the umbrella symbol as its official logo. The logo was designed by Seattle graphic artist, Leonard Furneaux. The logo features a white umbrella with blue raindrops falling from it. The umbrella is placed inside a blue circle with the word “Seattle” written in white letters.

The umbrella logo has become synonymous with Seattle and is recognized around the world. It has been used on city signs, police vehicles, and even on the tail of Alaska Airlines planes. The umbrella logo has become a source of pride for Seattle residents and a symbol of the city’s unique character.

In recent years, the umbrella logo has been updated to reflect Seattle’s evolving identity. In 2018, the city unveiled a new logo that features a modernized version of the umbrella. The new logo is designed to reflect Seattle’s vibrant and diverse community.

In conclusion, the story behind Seattle’s iconic umbrella logo is rooted in the city’s history and has become a symbol of its unique character. The umbrella logo is a source of pride for Seattle residents and a recognizable symbol around the world.

Seattle is known for its rainy weather, and the city’s iconic logo features an umbrella. But how did this symbol come to represent Seattle?

The story begins in 1990, when the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) launched a campaign to promote the city as a tourist destination. The bureau hired a marketing firm called Cole & Weber to create a new logo and slogan for Seattle.

Cole & Weber came up with several designs, but the one that stood out was an umbrella. The umbrella was a simple yet powerful symbol that represented Seattle’s rainy climate. It was also a nod to the city’s coffee culture, as people often carry umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain while walking to their favorite coffee shop.

The SCVB loved the umbrella logo and adopted it as the official symbol of Seattle. The logo was used on everything from brochures and billboards to t-shirts and coffee mugs.

Over time, the umbrella logo became synonymous with Seattle and its unique culture. It was featured in countless advertisements and even inspired a popular nickname for the city: “The Emerald City under the Evergreen State’s umbrella.”

In 2018, the SCVB rebranded itself as Visit Seattle and unveiled a new logo that incorporated the iconic umbrella. The new logo features a simplified version of the umbrella with the word “Seattle” in bold letters underneath.

Today, the umbrella remains a beloved symbol of Seattle and its rainy weather. It has become an integral part of the city’s identity and continues to inspire visitors and locals alike.

In conclusion, the story behind Seattle’s iconic logo is a testament to the power of simple yet effective design. The umbrella may seem like a small symbol, but it has had a big impact on how people perceive Seattle and its unique culture.