Poster Art 150: London Underground's Greatest Designs

By London Transport Museum

Revisit our hugely popular Poster Art 150 exhibition. Featuring 150 of the greatest designs from our collection of more than 3,000 posters, this exhibition showcased London Underground's unrivalled reputation for commissioning memorable and stunning posters by leading artists and designers.

Say it Underground with a poster (1933) by Christopher GreavesLondon Transport Museum

London Underground's Greatest Designs

London Underground has a long tradition of commissioning memorable advertising posters. This exhibition, which was first on display in the Exterion Media gallery at London Transport Museum in 2013, features 150 of the best designs as chosen by a team of experts from a variety of backgrounds. We hope you enjoy revisiting this stunning exhibition as you browse this unique collection of 20th century graphic poster art. With thanks to Siemens for their generous sponsorship and support.

Brightest London is best reached by Underground (1924) by Horace TaylorLondon Transport Museum

How to browse this exhibition


This exhibition of 150 posters is broken down into six sections:

• Finding your way: posters to help passengers navigate the maze of the Underground.

• Brightest London: posters showcasing what London has to offer: shopping, sports, theatres, cinemas and more!

• Capital Culture: posters promoting Tube travel to London's cultural gems - museums, gardens, zoos, displays and shows.

• Away from it all: posters reminding Londoners of the green spaces, countryside and idyllic settings just a train journey away.

• Keeps London going: posters presenting visions of speed, strength and reliability of the Underground.

• Love your city: posters celebrating the soul of London, depicting an ever-changing city that simultaneously takes pride in its heritage.




You can either browse the whole exhibition by scrolling or using your keyboard or skip to a section by using the bar along the bottom. Each section is signposted with a bookmark!

The Tate Gallery by Tube (1986) by David Booth and Fine White LineLondon Transport Museum

Finding your way

Posters offer a powerful way to inform and instruct on way-finding and etiquette. Well-designed maps and diagrams simplify the daunting maze of lines and tunnels, enabling passengers to confidently navigate underground. Subtle humour creates commanding yet entertaining posters, promoting safe and cooperative behaviour.

Brightest London is best reached by Underground (1924) by Horace TaylorLondon Transport Museum

The Siemens Poster Vote

Visitors to the exhibition voted for their favourite poster in the gallery. This stunning design by Horace Taylor in 1924 was named as the winner.

The lap of luxury, Frederick Charles Herrick, 1925, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Underground - the way for all, Alfred France, 1911, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Always warm and bright, Mervyn Lawrence, 1912, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Where it is warm and bright, Verney L Danvers, 1924, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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No wet no cold, Frederick Schneider Manner, 1929, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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It is cooler below, Frederick Charles Herrick, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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It is warmer below, Frederick Charles Herrick, 1927, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Paddington New Station, Charles Sharland, 1913, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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For comfort's sake stagger office hours, Misha Black, David Langdon, 1942, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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For property lost, Tom Eckersley, 1945, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Please stand on the right of the escalator, Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird), 1944, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Please have your Ticket ready at the barrier, Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird), 1944, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Please Ticket along the platform, Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird), 1944, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Please Ticket down the car, Fougasse (Cyril Kenneth Bird), 1944, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Keep your personal stereo personal!, Tim Demuth, 1987, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Metropolitan Railway fare chart, issued by the Metropolitan Railway, Unknown, 1886, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Light, power & speed, Charles Sharland, 1910, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Central London (Tube) Railway, Unknown, 1905, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The lure of the Underground, Alfred Leete, 1927, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Your fare from this station, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, 1936, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Avoid the wet - travel Underground, Kathleen Stenning, 1925, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Keep warm - travel Underground, Kathleen Stenning, 1925, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Going shopping this weekend?, Rachel Thomas, The Milton Agency, 2010, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Map of the Underground, Henry C Beck, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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No need to ask a p'liceman, John Hassall, 1908, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The Tate Gallery by Tube, David Booth, Fine White Line, 1986, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Brightest London and home by Underground (1924) by Horace TaylorLondon Transport Museum

Brightest London

These posters look beyond the daily commute to capture the glamour, excitement and sense of opportunity within this dynamic city. By day, leisure activities from sports to shopping are accessible via the Underground. By night, passengers are enticed to central London's cinemas and theatres. The Underground and its customers are portrayed as contemporary and 'in the know'. The city becomes bigger and brighter and today more people than ever discover London by Tube.

Football; humours no. 3, Tony Sarg, 1913, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Epsom summer meeting, Andrew Power, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Cup Final Wembley, Saturday April 24th, Eric George Fraser, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The quickest way to the dogs, Alfred Leete, 1927, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Rugby League Cup Final, Charles Burton, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Rugby League Cup Final, Herry Perry, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Cup Final, Charles Burton, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Cup Final, Herry Perry, 1935, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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European Swimming Championships, Unknown, 1938, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Wimbledon Tennis, Herry Perry, 1935, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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England versus West Indies, Clifford Ellis, Rosemary Ellis, 1939, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Saturday March 31st, Percy Drake Brookshaw, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Molesey Regatta July 21st, Unknown, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Wimbledon, Andrew Power, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Boat Race, Charles Paine, 1921, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Hearing the riches of London, Frederick Charles Herrick, 1927, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London after dark, Fred Millett, 1968, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Simply nightlife by Tube and bus, Dan Fern, 1998, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Why wait till later?, Marc Fernand Severin, 1938, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Play between 6 and 12, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1931, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Brightest London and home by Underground, Horace Taylor, 1924, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Summer nights, Vladimir Polunin, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Theatre - go by Underground, Barnett Freedman, 1936, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Brighter London for theatreland, Harold Sandys Williamson, 1924, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Winter sales, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1921, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Winter sales are best reached by the Underground, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1922, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Please shop between 10 and 4, Victor Galbraith, 1959, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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To summer sales by Underground, Horace Taylor, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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For the Zoo book to Regent's Park (1921) by Charles PaineLondon Transport Museum

Capital culture

Let the Underground bring the world to you! Before the rise of global media, the museums and the great exhibition halls showcased the world in one city. These posters promote Tube travel to London's cultural gems. Art shows and air displays sit alongside London Zoo and places of history and grandeur. Powerful imagery and bold colours paint London as a place to inspire both awe and enjoyment. Your Travelcard is your passport to wonders of the world, made easily accessible by Underground.

London Zoo, Abram Games, 1976, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The Zoo by floodlight, Tom Eckersley, Eric Lombers, 1935, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The Komodo dragon, Unknown, 1935, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Take them to the zoo, James Henry Dowd, 1924, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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For the Zoo book to Regent's Park, Charles Paine, 1921, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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For the zoo, Maurice A Miles, 1934, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Zoo choice; flamingo, Michael Reid, 1970, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The Palm House - Kew Gardens, Clive Gardiner, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Posters at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Austin Cooper, 1931, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Femme Bien Informee, Harry Stevens, 1972, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The Tate Gallery, Rex Whistler, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Asia; India Museum, Austin Cooper, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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International advertising exhibition, Frederick Charles Herrick, 1920, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Imperial War Museum, Edward Wadsworth, 1936, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Art today, Hans Unger, 1966, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Visit your museums; Natural History Museum, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1974, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Fly the Tube to New York, Trickett and Webb, 2001, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The London Transport Collection, Tom Eckersley, 1975, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Bicyclism - the art of wheeling, Austin Cooper, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Illuminations and decorations in celebration of the Coronation, Unknown, 1902, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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British empire exhibition, Edward Bawden, Thomas Derrick, 1924, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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RAF display, Andre Edouard Marty, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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RAF Display, Dora M Batty, 1932, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Motor Show, Olympia, Anna Katrina Zinkeisen, 1934, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Olympia Motor Show, Andre Edouard Marty, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Kennel Club Show, Tom Eckersley, Eric Lombers, 1938, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Cycle and Motor Cycle Show, Charles Burton, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Smithfield Club Show, Compton Bennett, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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By Underground to fresh air (1915) by Maxwell Ashby ArmfieldLondon Transport Museum

Away from it all

Freedom is closer than you think. Romantic, colourful and optimistic, these posters remind Londoners how easy it is to get away from urban grime into London’s green spaces and nearby countryside. Idyllic settings are just a train journey away. The drive to boost off-peak ticket sales inspired the promotion of the Underground as a means of escape as well as a way of getting from A to B, offering the best of both worlds.   

The swiftest way to pleasure; Whitsun joy wheel, Charles Sharland, 1913, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Too much of a good thing, John Henry Lloyd, 1910, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Away from it all by Underground at Whitsuntide, M E M Law, 1932, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London memories; Hampstead, Fred Taylor, 1918, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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By Underground to fresh air, Maxwell Ashby Armfield, 1915, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Go out into the country, Graham Sutherland, 1938, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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There is still the country, Dora M Batty, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Something different at every turn, Roy Meldrum, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Countryside in autumn, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1938, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Harvest, Joseph Walter West, 1916, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Cheap fares for school and pleasure parties, Freda Lingstrom, 1929, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Whitsuntide outings, Charles Paine, 1921, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Country Fair, Mabel Lucie Attwell, 1912, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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How long since you saw a sunset in the country?, Harold Sandys Williamson, 1922, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Golders Green, Unknown, 1908, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Gardening by Underground, Stanislaus S Longley, 1933, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Epping - Central line extension, K G Chapman, 1949, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Eastcote by District Railway, Charles Pears, Published by Underground Electric Railways Company Ltd, 1913, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The Canvey Lady, Southend-on-Sea, Charles Pears, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Waterside London, Hans Unger, 1972, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Highgate Ponds, Howard Hodgkin, 1989, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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In Watford, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1915, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Where is this bower beside the silver Thames?, Jean Dupas, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Uxbridge, Charles Paine, 1921, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Or take the Tube, Nick Hardcastle, 1987, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Extension of the Piccadilly line to Heathrow, Tom Eckersley, 1971, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Fly the Tube, Brian Watson, Foote, Cone and Belding, 1979, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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We are transforming your Tube (2007) by Studio OscarLondon Transport Museum

Keeps London going

These posters present visions of speed, strength and reliability. The image of the Underground is reinforced as a dynamic and popular service. The Underground’s strong visual identity and powerful branding is largely a result of the culture of good design and ‘fitness for purpose’ established by Frank Pick and it continues today through the Tube Upgrade Plan.

Power, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Constancy, Julius Klinger, 1929, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Escalator safety gear, Maurice Beck, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Nothing left to chance, Maurice Beck, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Speed Underground, Alan Rogers, 1930, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Quickly away, thanks to pneumatic doors, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, 1937, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Four times the number carried, Theyre Lee-Elliott, 1936, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Rehabilitation - it takes time; station, garage, depot, Fred Taylor, 1945, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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New Works, Thomas Enoch Lightfoot, 1932, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Morden extension now open, Unknown, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Linear, Dryden Goodwin, 2010, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Seeing it through; station woman, Eric Henri Kennington, 1944, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London Transport at London's service, Misha Black, John Barker (Kraber), 1947, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London Transport - Keeps London going, Man Ray, 1938, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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A word to women employees, Unknown, 1943, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London Transport at London's service, Abram Games, 1947, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Behind the seen; at London's service, James Fitton, 1948, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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A train every 90 seconds, Abram Games, 1937, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Upgrade underway, Jonathan Tobin, Me Company, 2011, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Vision of a roundel, Lothar Götz, 2008, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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We are transforming your Tube, Studio Oscar, 2007, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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No waiting; rapid service of trains, Charles Sharland, 1909, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The popular service suits all tastes, Unknown, 1913, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Thanks to the Underground, Zero (Hans Schleger), 1935, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The roads are never up on the Underground, Alfred Leete, 1928, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London's fairs (1951) by William RobertsLondon Transport Museum

Love your city

Underground posters depict London in all its colour, culture and diversity. People, places, events and landmarks new and old are presented in dramatic fashion. They depict an ever-changing city that also takes pride in its history and heritage. From maps with a medieval influence to visions of the future, the posters adopt different techniques to celebrate the soul of the city. 

Come out to live, Paul Nash, 1936, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Come in to play, Paul Nash, 1936, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Changing of the Guard, Frederic Henri Kay Henrion, 1956, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Trooping the Colour, Margaret Calkin James, 1932, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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City, Edward Bawden, 1952, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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By paying us your pennies, MacDonald Gill, 1914, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London 2026 AD this is all in the air, Montague B Black, 1926, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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London's fairs, William Roberts, 1951, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Underground; the moving spirit of London, Thomas Robert Way, 1910, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Chinatown, John Bellany, 1988, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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The proud city; St Paul's Cathedral, Walter E Spradbery, 1944, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Underground the way of business, Frank William Brangwyn, 1913, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Tate Modern, Paul Catherall, 2003, From the collection of: London Transport Museum
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Credits: Story

With thanks to Siemens for their generous sponsorship and support for the Poster Art 150 exhibition.

Our expert panel:
Brian Webb – Designer and Visiting Professor at the University of the Arts, London
Catherine Flood – Prints Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Paul Rennie – Senior Academic at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design
Nicolette Tomkinson – Christie’s Director and Head of the Vintage Poster department
Tamsin Dillon – Head of Art on the Underground
Simon Patterson – Artist, creator of the ‘Great Bear’ artwork
Oliver Green – Research Fellow and former Head Curator at London Transport Museum
Michael Walton – Head of Trading at London Transport Museum and poster commissioner

Also with thanks to the Museum’s Young Advisors: Gloria Gaspard, Izara de Nobrega, Elvis Miranda and Aobakwe Mokgalagadi for their help with curating the exhibition.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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