60th anniversary of the unveiling of the first Routemaster bus

‘The wheels on the bus go round and round’ sings the famous nursery rhyme and in London, they've now been going round and round for over 50 years.

Much like the actual London bus, doodle Kevin Laughlin’s design evolved over time before coming full circle. This was the initial sketch idea.

The first Routemaster buses left the depot on their maiden journeys in 1956 and with their distinctive red colour, they soon became a popular sight for Londoners and a worldwide icon.

Kevin experimented with a more illustrative style, but felt that perhaps the animation was too rigid.

Over the years, millions of commuters, schoolchildren, tourists and evening revellers have all used the humble bus to take them to work, school, see the sights and then take them home again after their busy days.

In a third version, Kevin went for an updated style of the bus. The fluidity of the animation felt more satisfying… though maybe too fluid-like?

While the London bus has evolved over the years, the reliability of the service and Londoners' love of it remain the same. Those wheels will carry on going round and round for many years to come.

Kevin’s final doodle. A simple, whimsical approach just right for the occasion!