David Shrigley's tube map

The reciprocal relationship between London’s underground system and the arts/popular culture has long born fruit, with the tube map itself providing the perfect vehicle for visual punning for numerous artists. The examples are plentiful, and range from Simon Patterson’s 1992 work The Great Bear to David Shrigley’s more abstract representation of the arrangement of intersecting coloured lines.

However, the time has now arrived for the London Underground logo to set out on a journey of its own.

The ‘roundel’ is the source of inspiration for an upcoming London-based exhibition to commemorate 100 years of the traditionally red and blue marque. The exhibition is set to showcase the works of 100 artists, all of whom have used the logo as their starting point.

Liam Gillick's design on the roundel

Judging from the quality of thumbnail images on the Transport for London website, if you happen to be in the capital a visit in person could prove more than worthwhile.

It’s a really interesting premise for an exhibition – imagine the artistic gymnastics that could ensue if brand giants such Coca-Cola, Ford or our dearly esteemed Marmite were given the same treatment. Surely enough to breathe inspiration into the most jaded of creatives!

For more information, see
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/corporate/projectsandschemes/artmusicdesign/pfa/artists/liam-gillick-2008.asp