Kirkby Design and TfL Unveil 'Underground Vol. III' Fabric Collection
Kirkby Design, a London-based studio, has partnered with Transport for London (TfL) to launch a new fabric collection titled 'Underground Vol. III.' This collaboration draws inspiration from archival designs spanning London's transport history, including tubes, buses, trams, and trolleybuses from the 1910s to the 1990s. The collection features eight iconic patterns recreated on velvet moquette, a durable fabric traditionally used for upholstery and tube seats.
Historical Design Influences
The collection pays homage to the artistic legacy of London Transport, initiated in the 1930s by Christian Barman, the Publicity Officer who commissioned contemporary artists to enhance the capital's commute. Each pattern in 'Underground Vol. III' is meticulously crafted from two-tone cut and uncut velvet, celebrating renowned designs from TfL's archives.
- Brent: Inspired by Enid Marx's 1936 designs, this pattern features a diamond motif from the old District line.
- Northern: Based on Marianne Straub's 1965 artwork, once adorning multiple tube lines and double-decker buses.
- Chalfont: A floral fabric that lined first-class carriages on the Metropolitan Railway's steam locomotives.
- Caledonian: An art deco-inspired tartan pattern.
- Bromley: A striped moquette from the 1960s RC-class buses.
- Piccadilly: Takes cues from the Piccadilly line's 1994 redesign.
- Bakerloo: Reminiscent of roll carpets from the 1930s and 1940s.
- Eden: A houndstooth pattern that decorated trams, trolleybuses, and bus route 601 between Twickenham and Tolworth.
Collaboration History and Availability
This marks the third collaboration between TfL and Kirkby Design. Previous projects include a collection for the London Underground's 150th anniversary in 2013 and a 2019 release of woollen moquettes with modern twists. The new fabrics are priced between £115 and £150 per metre and are available for purchase, offering a unique way to incorporate commuter-inspired chic into home decor.
For those interested in London's transport heritage beyond fabrics, the London Transport Museum is set to open a new exhibition gallery, providing further insights into the history of buses, trains, and trams.
