London is a mecca for art and around almost every corner you’ll find a gallery filled with anything from classical paintings to modern sculptures. But when you’re looking for your art fix it’s unlikely that the Underground system even comes to mind. However, there’s much to be discovered when you venture below the streets to the famous transport system.
With multiple stations and interconnecting lines, it’s easy for visitors to the capital to start their unusual art journey, including when you’re staying at the Montcalm London. The creative Art on the Underground project is the place to head when you’re looking for contemporary pieces to inspire. Recognising how important the iconic Tube is to the culture and environment of London, the project launched in 2000 with the aim to work with leading artists to enrich the journeys of locals and tourists alike.
Whether you simply want to see some art as you venture from your London accommodation to your next attraction or you want to take a self-guided tour, you’ll be amazed at what you can discover. So what artists, projects, and events can you unearth over the upcoming months? We’ve picked out just a few of the most intriguing options for you to consider over 2018.
Helen Phillipson Gloucester Road station
In June 2018, British artist Heather Philipson will unveil a major piece of work that aims to raise questions of use, fragility and waste. Covering a disused platform at Gloucester Road station, just a 20-minute Tube ride from the Montcalm London, it will continue the artist’s theme of exploring relationships between humans and animals. It’ll use a wide range of mediums and techniques to form a conversational piece of art and will be well worth a visit for art fans once it opens.
New editions of the iconic tube maps
Even the maps you use to navigate the underground, which can appear perplexing to those that are visiting London for the first time, embrace art. Both the pocket Tube map and the night Tube map will have new covers from spring 2018, giving you a simple way to see some new artistic creations. Romanian nonagenarian artist Geta Bratescu will see her unique style, which often celebrates femininity, on the 28th edition of the pocket Tube map. While London-based French artist Marie Jacotey will lend her comic-strip form that gives a snapshot of relationships and social interactions to the 4th Night Tube map cover.
London-Tube Map-2004 Version
London-Tube Map-2008 Version
London-Tube Map-2009 Version
Celebrating the Tube extension
As work continues to extend the Northern Line, giving access to the up and coming Battersea area, Art on the Underground is using it to celebrate an artist and ambitious project. This year will mark the start of Nina Wakeford’s two-year residency in the area. As an artist that focuses on unfinished business of past movements, her work is set to be a conversation starter.
This year’s entire programme will feature women artists, marking 100 years since the Representation of the People Act, allowing all men and women over the age of 30 to vote.
