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Introduction

From the logo to the map and posters to moquette, London’s transport design is known across the world.

Discover London’s iconic design through our collection.

Stories

Abram Games was among the most influential poster designers of his generation. Learn more about his commissions for London Transport.

Poster; A train every 90 seconds, by Abram Games, 1937

Edward McKnight Kauffer made his name as a master of poster design in the UK. Read more about the star designer of LT's posters.

Poster; Reigate, by Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1915

London’s public transport system is known the world over. Learn how and why posters were first commissioned by the Underground.

Harold Hutchison and London Transport Public Relations committee meeting by Colin Tait, 20 Jan 1950

Learn about LT's advertising across history, from enamel signs in the late nineteenth century to digital screens in the twenty-first

Platform view at Brompton Road station showing station roundel nameplate and advertising by Topical Press, 1923

Hans Unger was one of the UK’s most important post-war graphic designers. Explore Unger’s lively and varied LT posters.

Poster; Busabout, by Hans Unger and Eberhard Schulze, 1970

Since 2004, London Underground have commissioned a variety of British and international artists to create covers for their pocket Tube maps, representing one of the largest public art commissions in the UK.

Dora M. Batty (1891-1966) was one of the most prolific female artists commissioned by the Underground and London Transport, and created over fifty posters in a variety of different styles.

Discover the history of one of the most famous elements of London's transport heritage - Harry Beck's Underground map.

The Elizabeth line, originally known as Crossrail, opened in May 2022. Read more about ten of its brand new stations.

Elizabeth line booking hall, Farringdon Bond Street station, by Crossrail, March 2021

Tom Eckersley was an influential British graphic designer in the 20th century, who designed more than eighty posters for London Transport. His signature style combined bold, bright colours and flat graphic shapes.

These posters promote some of London’s cultural landmarks, fine architecture, and fantastic open spaces; all intricately linked with the evolution of the city’s transport network.

Discover posters from our collection celebrating London's architecture, featuring the capital’s landmarks, monuments, and design classics, both historic and contemporary.

In this longer read, discover how art deco style was used by many designers to create visually stunning Underground and London Transport posters in the 1920s and 1930s.

Poster; Molesey Regatta July 21st, unknown, 1928

Discover posters from our collection that explore London Transport’s strong visual identity and branding while also reflecting leading modern and contemporary art and design movements.

colourful print of circles and the word Cinema

Discover the rise of the West End, the growth of theatres, cinemas and restaurants and the explosion of the modern clubbing scene through London Transport's posters.

Poster of London at night with li up buildings and silhouettes of people in front

As the nights draw in and frost sparkles in the cold morning air, our thoughts turn to Christmas. The posters on display invite you to embrace the festive season.

Christmas bow overlaid onto an Underground map

Explore how London’s iconic Tube map has been used and adapted to celebrate the Capital’s history and people.

We focus on four London transport workers who feature in this map, created in a collaboration between the Black Cultural Archives and Transport for London, using London’s iconic Tube map to celebrate the contributions of Black people to London’s history and culture.

TfL Image - Black History Tube map

London Transport have commissioned a huge variety of artists and designers and promoted a wide range of artistic and graphic styles and techniques. See some examples of different types of posters in this Poster Parade.

Poster with illustration of a bus and St Pauls with flowers in the foreground

Walter Spradbery was a prolific designer, painter and poet. Read about Spradbery's fruitful relationship with London Transport which spanned over three decades.

1983/4/8865 Poster; St James's Park, Kew Gardens, by Walter E Spradbery, 1929

Other stories

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Stories about the marvels of engineering that have kept Londoners moving - from buses and trains to escalators and ticket machines.

A model showing workers building the first Underground tunnels

Read about all of London's modes of transport from riverboats in the 1800s to Tube trains, buses, bicycles and even cable cars of today

A row of three buses with one from the 1800s and two from the 1900s

Discover the fascinating stories of the people behind London’s transport – including directors, drivers, canteen workers, architects and designers.

Black and white photo of a group of women stood in front of an early motor bus

London’s transport played an extraordinary part in both world wars. Find out more about the efforts of staff at home and overseas.

A line of buses carrying World War 1 troops