posted on Jul, 7 2011 @ 10:21 PM
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for contacting Chase.
The search for a new symbol began in 1959 when Chase Vice
Chairman David Rockefeller selected the design firm
Chermayeff & Geismar Associates to develop an abstract,
contemporary, and universal symbol to reflect Chase
Manhattan's increasing global presence, and to accompany
the bank's new modern world headquarters under
construction in Lower Manhattan - a sleek 60-story glass
and aluminum office building. At the time, the bank was
using a complex and cluttered trademark that incorporated
branding elements from the firms' two main heritage banks,
The Bank of The Manhattan Company and Chase National Bank,
which had merged only five years earlier to form Chase
Manhattan. It's current logo wasn't easily read and was,
therefore, perceived as ineffective. Chase wanted a symbol
that would be more attractive and identifiable, and, at
Rockefeller's directive, the designers were asked to
invent an abstract iconic form.
Chermayeff & Geismar created a logo that was simple,
attractive, and timeless. This
non-representational geometric form was thought to be best
for several reasons:
at the time there was no abstract, representational symbol
of modern banking,
a monogram using the bank's initials would not allow for
future name changes, and
the new modern bank building under construction - One
Chase Manhattan Plaza - was not easily identifiable as a
representation.
The octagon was introduced in November 1960 to coincide
with the completion of One Chase Manhattan Plaza. Along
with new Chase Manhattan logotype, it was used in all
advertising, publications, stationery, and signage. Press
releases and brochures described the octagon's dynamic
design as "a simple yet powerful geometric form embodying
a strong feeling of motion and activity. Although
self-contained, it is divided in such a way as to suggest
forward motion within the framework of control. the
activity is centered around the square, implying growth
from a central foundation ." At the time, one Public
Relations Vice President noted, "When the symbol is
established by constant use, we believe that people will
identify it with The Chase Manhattan Bank at a glance."
If you require further assistance, please e-mail us via
the Secure Message Center or contact Chase By Phone at
1-800-935-9935.
Thank you,
Christian Dalusong
Internet Service Center
Original Message Follows:
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comments : Dear chase bank, what is the logo suppose to
be? it is obviously a swastika, what is the significance
of the chase bank logo?