The Bank of Montreal (BMO) has a rich history, and its logos have evolved significantly over the years. The first logo used by the bank was introduced in 1828, featuring a simple yet elegant design.
The early logo was a circular emblem with the bank's name written in a serif font. This design was used for over 40 years, reflecting the bank's commitment to tradition and stability.
In 1870, the bank introduced a new logo, which featured a more modern and dynamic design. This logo was a significant departure from the earlier design and marked a new era for the bank.
The new logo was a stylized representation of the Canadian shield, symbolizing the bank's connection to the country and its people.
Logo Design Elements
A well-designed logo can make a huge difference in how a bank is perceived by its customers. The Bank of Montreal's logo has undergone several changes over the years, but one thing remains constant - its use of a shield.
The shield is a nod to the bank's British heritage, and it's been a part of the logo since its inception in 1829. The shield is also a symbol of protection and security, which are key values for a bank.
The Bank of Montreal's logo has also featured a crown, which was added in 1857. This was a nod to the British monarch, and it symbolized the bank's connection to the British Empire.
The use of a crown in the logo was phased out in the 1960s, but it's still a notable part of the bank's visual history. Today, the shield remains a prominent feature of the Bank of Montreal's logo.
The Bank of Montreal's logo has been simplified over the years, but it still retains its core elements. The shield and the bank's name are the most recognizable parts of the logo, and they work together to create a sense of stability and trust.
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History of Bank of Montreal Logos
The Bank of Montreal's coat of arms has a rich history, and it's fascinating to see how it evolved over time. One notable redesign occurred in 1934, when the bank decided to register its coat of arms to make it official.
The original coat of arms didn't meet the standards of the College of Arms, so a redesign was necessary. The College of Arms required the supporting Indigenous figures to stand, rather than their seated position in previous designs.
The redesign also replaced the fleur-de-lys with a smaller beaver within the shield. This change helped to make the coat of arms more distinctive and unique to the bank.
The symbols of the bank's British heritage – the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, and the shamrock of Ireland – remained a part of the design.
Logo Basics
A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition.
Logos can be classified into three main categories: Ideographs, which are abstract forms; Pictographs, which are iconic, representational designs; and Logotypes, also known as Wordmarks, which depict the name or company's initials.
Redesigning logos frequently can be counterproductive, as it can confuse customers and make it harder for them to recognize a company's brand or corporate identity.
Additional reading: Bank Logos with Names
Colors and Font
The combination of blue, red, and white is a popular color scheme in logo design, and it's used effectively in the BMO logo. This color combination conveys a sense of reliability and professionalism.
Using a traditional serif typeface, like the one in the BMO logo, can be a great choice for a company with a rich history. It emphasizes the company's stability and promise of reliability.
The BMO logo's font choice is a deliberate design decision that sets the tone for the company's brand identity.
What is a Logo?
A logo is a graphic mark, emblem, or symbol used to aid and promote public identification and recognition.
Logos can be classified into three types: Ideographs, which are abstract forms, Pictographs, which are iconic and representational designs, and Logotypes, also known as Wordmarks, which depict the name or company's initials.
Redesigning logos frequently is counterproductive, as they are meant to represent companies, brands, or corporate identities and foster immediate customer recognition.
A logo is the central element of a complex identification system, and its design and incorporation into a visual identity system is one of the most challenging and essential graphic design areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the symbol of the Bank of Montreal?
The Bank of Montreal is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BMO.
What is the M bar roundel symbol?
The M-Bar roundel symbol is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used in conjunction with the BMO brand. It's a distinctive logo that represents the bank's identity.
What does the o mean in BMO?
The "O" in BMO represents the second letter in Montreal, the city where the company originated. This unique origin story is a key part of the bank's identity.
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