Hundreds of thousands of passengers, using one of London’s busiest Tube stations, Piccadilly Circus Station, will be able to enjoy a new contemporary artwork entitled BEAUTY < IMMORTALITY by Turner Prize nominated and BAFTA award-winning artists Langlands & Bell, commissioned by London Transport Museum and Art on the Underground in partnership with London-born gift and interiors retailer Bouf.com.
The new art installation was inspired by Frank Pick, London Transport’s first Chief Executive. Pick was the mastermind behind London’s iconic Underground designs, such as the famous bar and circle logo known as the ‘roundel’ and many of London Underground’s Art Deco stations. The artwork was unveiled by Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner and highlights the continuing importance of great design on the transport network today and in the future.
In a partnership introduced and brokered by sponsorship sales and strategy agency, Bastion Connect, the artwork is supported by Bouf.com, the design-led living gift and interiors retailer. This is the launch of a three year partnership between Bouf.com and Transport for London, which sees the retailer working with the most exciting design talent from across the capital. It begins with the Bouf Christmas Stocking Project, a showcase and shop at Piccadilly Circus Station (running until 24th December) featuring London designer Katie Jones, illustrator Zoom Rockman and some of the capital’s most captivating gift designers.
The Bouf.com creative team includes style journalists, Tamsin Blanchard and Lucy Siegle. For more information, please visit bouf.com.
As Managing Director of London Underground in the 1920s and the first Chief Executive of London Transport, Frank Pick (1878-1941), Frank Pick oversaw what is widely acknowledged to be transport design’s golden age. Pick commissioned some of the most recognisable icons of London Underground’s identity such as the original Johnston typeface. Pick also commissioned famous artists, such as surrealist Man Ray, to create advertising posters for London Transport.
Through his vision and determination, the Underground witnessed the birth of commercial art and advertising as well as the emergence of graphic design, wayfinding systems, corporate identities and integrated brand design.
Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Frank Pick changed the face of public transport in London. He was passionate about good design and believed it was central to a well-run, modern business or service – a vision Transport for London still shares today. Langlands & Bell’s arresting artwork is a true legacy to Pick’s design work and I’m sure our customers will travel to Piccadilly Circus station to see it.”
Ben Siegle, MD of Bouf.com, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting this artwork and to be working in partnership with TfL. Frank Pick commissioned some of the most iconic elements on the London Transport network, and as curators of an online marketplace, BOUF brings you a handpicked selection of homeware and gifts with a twist. Our merchandisers cherry-pick only the most unique, design-led brands to partner with, giving us synergy with the project and an opportunity to spread our core message of ‘Design Led Living’ across London and beyond. Watch this space!”
–ENDS–
Thierry Bal, © TFL
Contact Details
Hannah Hanley, Senior Account Manager
+44 (0) 207 482 6635
hannah@bastionconnect.com
bastionconnect.com
@Bastion_Connect
