Embedded Files
Considerable thought went into the design of the BCS logo (or Badge, as it was then known).
BCS Plaque
Once a laboratory had gained approval by the BCS, a framed wall plaque was provided. Two examples can be seen below.
After the merger with NATLAS to form NAMAS, the BCS "brand" continued within the new organisation for a while, as can be seen on the blank certificate shown below.
Design
Several designs were considered for the BCS logo, amongst which were the five shown below. These were produced by John Evans, then an illustrator in the Ministry of Technology.
The top right version was selected as the basis for the final badge. The design was further developed in collaboration with the College of Heralds and was agreed by the Advisory Council on Calibration and Measurement. Ministerial approval for the design was obtained and it was authorised by Her Majesty The Queen on 21 February 1968.
In the central area are the mathematical symbols for "not greater than" and "not less than", representing the concept of uncertainty of measurement which, right from the beginning, was a core feature of calibration laboratory approval. The two vertical lines also symbolise parallelism and the points of the two horizontal "V" shapes indicate accurate alignment.
The presence of the Royal Crown indicated recognition by Government. It was sometimes said that, when printed, the top of the Crown had to be above any text on the page, although this was never stated formally. Indeed, when a bill from the BCS was received, it was noted that the word INVOICE prominently featured directly above the BCS logo!
Approval Certificate
Approved laboratories were issued with a Laboratory Approval Certificate that included the logo. The example below was signed by the then Director of BCS, John Platt.
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