There are Several reasons: William Shakespeare was called "sweet swan of Avon", by his contemporary and friend, Ben Jonson. The work of this theatre in presenting lesser-known Elizabethan dramas was a role filled by the Elizabethan Swan Theatre in Southwark, London. The RSC's logo is a swan. The door handles of the Swan Theatre, designed and made by Anthony Robinson are rearing swan emblems. Also by Anthony Robinson are the two weathervanes above the Swan Theatre that are inspired by the pattern of ripples on the River Avon as a swan takes flight.