London’s Underground stations have a labyrinthine structure. The London Underground is one of the oldest and most complex transportation systems in the world. Its network consists of 11 lines that connect 272 stations located in different parts of the city and its suburbs. Some of these stations have a unique design that resembles a labyrinth. This is not by chance, but the result of London’s history, architecture, and art.
The first line of the London Underground was opened in 1863 and was called the “Metropolitan.” It ran underground from Paddington to Farringdon, using steam locomotives. Later, other lines were added, built by different private companies. Each company had its own style and technologies, so the stations varied in shape, size, and decoration.
In the early 20th century, the London Underground began transitioning to electricity, allowing for the construction of deeper and longer tunnels. This led to the creation of new lines such as the “Piccadilly,” “Bakerloo,” and “Northern.” They ran beneath the old lines, intersecting them at different levels. This resulted in the creation of complex interchanges and corridors at some stations, such as “King’s Cross.”
Today, the London Underground is one of the most important and popular transportation systems in the world. It serves over 4 million passengers per day and connects different parts of the city and its surroundings. Its stations have different designs that reflect London’s history, architecture, and art. Some of them have a labyrinthine shape, which can be both attractive and confusing for travelers. But it also makes the London Underground unique and interesting to explore.
These labyrinth posters that you see at London Underground stations are not just decorations. They are works of art created by Mark Wallinger to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground in 2013. Since then, these small labyrinths have become part of everyday life for Londoners.
And now, the two newest stations in London are also adorned with Wallinger’s works, as he presented two brand new art installations. Mark Wallinger’s “Labyrinths” can be seen at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms, the latest stations to be opened on the Northern Line. Having dedicated ten years to his first art installations and 160 years of the Underground, Wallinger visited the stations to showcase his works on October 18, 2023.
Each labyrinth is made of enamel, so you can not only see it but also touch it. You won’t find two identical labyrinths at different stations, as each one is specific to its location. The new artwork at Nine Elms shows nine concentric circles, referencing the station’s name, while the Battersea Power Station Labyrinth has a square shape, honoring the four chimneys of the station itself. “People often come with their families to find each one. It’s like a treasure hunt,” said Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground at TfL. “I think the ‘Labyrinth’ had one of the most exciting reactions to public art that I’ve heard on an international level.
It’s a really interesting project because they’re quite small works, but they’re spread across London, so every traveler can feel like the one at their station is their own.” She added, “Each labyrinth is a place where you can approach and touch it. It will never be somewhere inaccessible or behind a barrier.”
