Logo

When the University changed its name from Catholic University of Brabant to Tilburg University, it was time to introduce a new logo. Up to 1986, the logo of the College had shown a merchant ship, just like TSC St. Olof, which still carries two stylized sails in its current logo. After the establishment of three new faculties in 1963, the logo became more abstract to end up as a red triangle on top of three lines of decreasing boldness in 1986. This was to symbolize the dynamics of the young University. Though this logo was most distinctive, people were not always keen on the sturdy and pointy design, and after five years, a revision became inevitable. A new logo was considered to be a step too far if only because its introduction would involve huge expense. And so, as is so often the case, a compromise was made: a restyling exercise. This produced more serenity and fewer lines and heralded the arrival of a so-called house style manual, which in the next few decades waxed into an edict of epic proportions.

Tree of knowledge

The logo that was presented in 2002 marked a break with the past in all respects. The bright shade of red and the far-reaching abstraction made way for a classic color combination and some highly identifiable elements. At the center is a tree, an ancient symbol of knowledge, also referring to the University’s natural surroundings. Under the tree, there are two figures, one with a book, symbol of wisdom, and one with a key, symbol of its unlocking. It was denied, upon its presentation, that the logo referred to the saints Peter and Paul. It was underlined that the duo was surrounded by a circle of small blue squares, understood to refer to an “open, innovative community focused on the acquisition of knowledge, where people inspire each other and where their involvement with each other and with the society in which we are rooted, is of the utmost importance.” Some doubt the logo’s practicality as its small format prevents people from seeing what it actually depicts. It turned out to be time-proof though, when ‒ barring a few minor adjustments ‒ it survived the University’s fifth name change from University of Tilburg to Tilburg University.