Allan Fleming

Allan Fleming, born on May seventh, nineteen twenty-nine, was a prominent Canadian graphic designer whose innovative work left a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Canada. He is perhaps best known for creating the iconic Canadian National Railway logo, a design that has become synonymous with Canadian identity.

Fleming's career began in Toronto, Ontario, where he served as vice president and director of creative services at Cooper and Beatty Ltd. It was during this time, in nineteen fifty-nine, that he designed the new CN logo. His creative journey continued as he took on the role of art director for Maclean's magazine in nineteen sixty-two, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.

From nineteen sixty-three to nineteen sixty-eight, he was the director of creative services at MacLaren Advertising, and later, from nineteen sixty-eight to nineteen seventy-six, he became the chief designer at the University of Toronto Press. His work during this period revolutionized scholarly publishing in Canada, particularly through the design of the best-selling book, Canada: A Year of the Land/Canada, du temps qui passe, released in nineteen sixty-seven.

Fleming's contributions to the field of graphic design were recognized through his memberships in prestigious organizations, including the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the Alliance Graphique Internationale. He was also a Fellow of the Ontario College of Art and the first Fellow of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, highlighting his significant influence and legacy in the world of design.