The London Transport Museum Shop is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about London’s iconic transport system and design. For years, they have partnered with talented creators to offer unique, transport-themed merchandise. One such esteemed collaborator is Wallace Sewell, a renowned design studio celebrated for their innovative textiles deeply rooted in transport heritage. Their latest masterpiece, the “Tube 160” collection, is an exceptional example of this partnership, and it’s available exclusively at the London Transport Museum Shop.
Wallace Sewell’s connection with Transport for London (TfL) and the London Transport Museum runs deep. As a design studio, they’ve contributed significantly to the fabric of London’s transport network, crafting numerous moquette designs over the past thirteen years. Millions of commuters unknowingly interact with Wallace Sewell’s designs daily as they travel across the city. This intimate involvement with TfL’s visual identity makes their exclusive collections for the London Transport Museum Shop particularly meaningful.
The “Tube 160” Collection is a celebratory tribute, marking a decade since their widely acclaimed collection for the Underground’s 150th anniversary in 2013. Revisiting and revitalizing that initial design, Wallace Sewell has created a fresh and contemporary collection for 2023. This new range, “Tube 160,” beautifully incorporates the expanded London transport network. It features the instantly recognizable colors of the Underground lines, now interwoven with the orange of the Overground, the blue of the DLR, the green of the Tram, and the regal purple of the Elizabeth line.
Wallace Sewell Tube 160 Collection
The design is set against a sophisticated steel grey background, providing a modern and versatile aesthetic suitable for anyone. The pattern has been carefully condensed to ensure the full, intricate design is showcased on each item, particularly the signature scarf. This attention to detail and commitment to comprehensive representation of the transport network sets the “Tube 160” collection apart as a truly representative piece of London design history, available directly from the London Transport Museum Shop.
The creation process behind the “Tube 160” collection is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Wallace Sewell expertly unites time-honored textile techniques with modern digital technology and industrial production. While their typical process begins with hand sketches and yarn explorations, for this collection, they started digitally, building upon their “150th” design using computer-aided design. However, the human touch remains crucial. They utilized handlooms in their studio to create fabric swatches, meticulously examining woven structures and the interplay of colors in the warp and weft.
Tube 160 Wallace Sewell Scarf Design Process
Manufacturing is entrusted to Mitchell Interflex, a historic mill in Lancashire, upholding a tradition of British craftsmanship. The Wallace Sewell workroom team then meticulously hand-cuts each product, ensuring rigorous quality checks for any imperfections. Finally, each item is carefully labeled and packaged before being dispatched directly to the London Transport Museum Shop, guaranteeing its exclusive availability.
The exclusive Tube 160 Wallace Sewell Collection at the London Transport Museum Shop features a curated range of items. The centerpiece is a classic tasselled scarf, expertly woven from incredibly soft merino lambswool, offering both warmth and style. Alongside the scarf, the collection includes practical and stylish accessories: a durable tote bag, a convenient zipped purse, and a versatile cross-body bag. Each piece in the collection showcases the unique “Tube 160” design and is a perfect way to carry a piece of London’s transport heritage.
London Transport Museum Shop Tube 160 Collection Items
For those seeking unique transport gifts, stylish souvenirs, or a special piece of London-inspired design, the London Transport Museum Shop is the ultimate destination. The Wallace Sewell “Tube 160” collection embodies a blend of contemporary design, historical significance, and exceptional quality. Explore this exclusive collection and discover the perfect piece to celebrate London’s iconic transport network at the London Transport Museum Shop.
