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Introduction

The ribbon of water that flows through London is one of the city’s most recognisable features. The River Thames has been the subject of transport posters for over 100 years, encouraging travel to and from riverside locations.

This gallery explores how designers have engaged with the theme of the river. In posters commissioned by the Underground, London Transport and Transport for London, we see innovative techniques, an empathy with nature, and humour. All show the importance of the river in London’s transport story.

Inspired by the river

These posters are inspired by the river in all sorts of art formats, from the abstract piece by Hans Unger to the mysterious 1997 poster showing only the river and the statue of Eros, to Canary Wharf looking a little like a moquette pattern!

Bridges by bus, tube and river

Artists have drawn on the bridges that cross the Thames to create eye-catching posters. These posters below celebrate some of the bridges that help keep London moving, from Tower Bridge to Millenium Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and places you can go via bridges such as the Southbank.

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