Top 5 Stations For Art On The London Tube Network

Smelly, dirty, rat-infested…these may be some of the most common words (and mis-conceptions I might add!) that come to mind when thinking of the London tube…but art you say?! Yes – Not many people know about the many different kinds of art throughout the network, which includes mosaics, murals, installations and modern architecture. I love visiting a new station and scoping out the different colours and designs used, I think it’s such an accessible way for the greater public to enjoy art, and much less pretentious than going to a gallery or museum.

The notion of integrating art and the tube started in the early 1900’s with the head of the network, Frank Pick, developed a series of poster designs by leading artists at the time including Man Ray and Graham Sutherland. During the 1930’s he championed for the inclusion of permanent works such as grilles, tiles and elaborate windows, and his legacy lives on in the continuation of new art and design at tube stations.

I have a few favourites which I’ve discovered in the last few years, so if you ever make it to London make sure you check them out!

Tottenham Court Road

This is my favourite tube station – both for its Soho location and wacky multi-coloured mosaic covered walls, which were created in the 1980s by artist Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. The murals extend from the ticket halls all the way through to the platforms, and include an array of images such as people, chickens, satellites…and even saxophones! The bright colours can make you feel like you’re on some kind of 70’s trip, so if you’ve enjoyed a few too many tipples in the bars of Soho, make sure you mind the gap.

Southwark

Modern, sleek and functional is the way I would describe Southwark, one of the newest additions to the tube network, which was built in 1999. The station includes a large concourse and glass wall allowing light into the station, and its industrial feel has earned the station and its designer critical acclaim for its modern architecture. Go early morning when no-one is around and pretend you’re James Bond, even if it is only for the morning commute.

Charing Cross

The medieval black and white murals adorning the walls of the Charing Cross station Northern line platforms were commissioned during the stations restructuring in the 1970s. The man behind the art is David Gentleman who is better known for his work on Penguin book covers and postage stamps, and his murals show enlarged figures such as carpenters, labourers, stonemasons, horsemen and boatmen shaped around the usual London Underground signs. A great backdrop for some fun snaps with your mates!

Gloucester Rd

When alighting the train at Gloucester Rd the last thing you expect to see is a giant panda head staring back at you, but this is exactly the way I discovered the art that this station. The 7.5m wide installation is by Brian Griffiths, who wanted to instill a sense of fun and playfulness on the tube. I think it works a treat, every time I pass through here I look out for the panda and love watching the puzzled looks of tourists as they walk closer to see what it’s made of.

Leytonstone

Not many people may know that Alfred Hitchcock, the British filmmaker and producer was born and bred in Leytonstone, a suburb in London’s east end. In 1999, to celebrate his work and this event a century later, 17 mosaics were installed showing scenes from his films, portraits of the man himself and images of the nearby area where he grew up. To get the full effect visit on a winter’s night and relive some of his most famous film scenes – the east end doesn’t get creepier than this!

If you’re in town checking out the art, you can find some good London show and hotel deals.

Photo Credits – Thanks to markhillary and nick.garrod (Attribution license)

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