The Oxford University logo, coined in 1400, contains elements full of significance. Being one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, it incorporates the most unique logo.
However, the university logo has changed over time. The primitive Oxford University logo exhibited the coat of arms, demonstrating both formal and ceremonial contexts.
On the contrary, the latest logo demonstrates an open book, exhibiting seven seals and three crowns. Further, one can notice seven seals on the left side of the book and crowns at the top and bottom sections of the logo.
This is truly an emblem of the university’s visual identity. One can appreciate different variations in the logo. Firstly, this quadrangle logo has an engraved university name with a belted crest device on the top right corner. Additionally, the university name appears with a blue background.
Besides, its secondary version acquires a rectangular shape with a crest on the left side.
The most interesting fact about this logo is that it has its own globally recognized colour. This Oxford blue or Pantone 282 is the official colour in its logo background.
Researchers said the book in the logo demonstrates the one mentioned in the apocalypse. Further, the seven seals signify Seven Liberal Sciences. These three crowns highlight the importance of learning and wisdom.
Interestingly, the motto of the university, “Dominus illumination mea” or “Lord is my Light.” this motto appears in the coat of arms and has been there since the 1600s. Moreover, Rober College in Istanbul and Finlandia University also use the same logo.
You can see this logo everywhere in the university, including the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. This way, it reminds students of the university’s unique yet versatile logo.
Oxford University imposes strict limitations on those using its logo. For instance, if a person wants to use the Oxford University logo, there must be a 0.3x exclusion zone, where x is the height of the logo. This will keep the logo intact and free of any interference.
