Persistent allure of Transport for London's seat aesthetics
Celebrating a Quarter-Century of Transport for London: The Resurgence of Moquette Design
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Transport for London (TfL), and as the organisation reflects on its past, it seems that the future of design is taking a page from its history. The distinctive moquette fabric, traditionally used for transport upholstery in London, is making a comeback in fashion and interior decor.
Originating from the early days of London's trains, the first moquette commissioned was an art deco design called 'Lozenge'. Fast forward to today, and TfL has commissioned textile design duo Wallace Sewell for various moquette designs, including the instantly recognizable blue Victoria Line design and the Elizabeth Line Moquette.
The shift from one aesthetic trend to another, such as from coquette to moquette, is a common occurrence in the fashion and design industry. This trend is evident in recent designs by fashion powerhouses like Gucci and Burberry, which bear a resemblance to moquette.
The moquette aesthetic, with its rich history and distinctive appearance, presents an opportunity for artists and designers to create innovative and captivating works. More artists are expected to take interest in creating masterpieces from transport seats, including moquette seats.
One such artist is Sinéad O'Dwyer, who designed the moquette for TfL's Fabric of London campaign in 2025. O'Dwyer's design was showcased digitally and in animations of diverse Londoners on Outernet London's LED screens.
The London Transport Museum shop, a treasure trove for design enthusiasts, sells a variety of moquette-related products online at ltmuseumshop.co.uk/furniture. In addition to selling moquette furniture and cushions, the shop offers a newsletter subscription for design-related content. The newsletter provides daily updates on inspiration, escapism, and design stories from around the world.
Rita Keegan's collage, The Fabric of Time, was featured on the 40th pocket Tube map cover. It constructs a grid from ten archive seat designs, showcasing the diversity and evolution of moquette designs over the years.
As the trend for moquette design continues to grow, it is possible that it may gain more prominence in design trends. I Don't Give a Seat, an Instagram account featuring retro transport seat patterns from around the world, has over 145,000 followers, indicating a growing interest in this unique aesthetic.
TfL's services, such as the Oyster card, the Hopper fare, and the Lizzy Line, continue to serve London's residents and visitors. As TfL celebrates its 25th anniversary, it seems that the moquette aesthetic is poised to make a significant impact in the fashion and design world.
Read also:
- Protecting Your Electrical Systems: Exploring Surge Protection Units
- Eliminating the lingering scent of smoke: Cleaning strategies and additional advice
- Epic Tale of Princess Kaguya: A Timeless Classic
- Davao Oriental explores innovative and non-traditional strategies to resolve energy and water shortage issues
