Transport for London is continuing its celebration of London Underground's 160th Anniversary alongside 10 years of the sensational permanent art installation ‘Labyrinth' by revealing two new artworks at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms stations.
Labyrinth was commissioned back in 2013 as part of Transport for London's Art on the Underground programme. The Labyrinth installation by artist Mark Wallinger saw 270 individual pieces created for each of the London Underground stations and marked a sensation under the programme which celebrated the underground networks' 150th anniversary.
2021 saw new stations, Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms join the London Underground as part of the Northern line extension and as part of the 160th Anniversary celebrations have now got their own unique Labyrinth by Mark Wallinger.
The permanent installation focuses on the ancient symbol of the Labyrinth marking a single pathway and is also inspired by the standard tube maps, which were designed by Harry Beck. The theme of the installation connects closely to the London Underground's purpose of providing journeys to millions of passengers every year.
The new Labyrinth at Nine Elms (110a) features nine concentric circles, a nod to the station's name and at Battersea Power Station (110b) includes a four-cornered structure within a circular outline inspired by the impressive and iconic four-chimney structure.
Each of the unique pieces featured in the installation is created on a 60cm² enamel panel and can be found in station ticket halls.
Artist Mark Wallinger said:
‘‘I am delighted and thrilled to have been given the opportunity to use the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the original Labyrinths to create two new ones. The work was conceived as a celebration of the world's greatest connective and welcoming public transport network. So I am immensely proud to be able to complete their presence across the network, and celebrate the underground's reach through Nine Elms to the iconic Battersea Power Station, beloved by all Londoners.”
Eleanor Pinfield, Transport for London's Head of Art on the Underground, said:
“Labyrinth is one of Art on the Underground's most recognisable and most loved art commissions. A unique artwork in every station, Labyrinth is seen by millions each day and has created a generation of ‘Labyrinth hunters'. As we celebrate 10 years of Labyrinth and 160 years of the Tube, we are thrilled to present two new artworks, created for Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms Underground stations.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said:
“The extension of the Northern line to Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms has brought a huge boost to the area, and it's great they will now join all of the other 270 stations with their own bespoke Labyrinth artwork. The Labyrinth is a much-loved part of the London Underground, delighting passengers as they travel around our beloved city. It's a fantastic example of how Art on the Underground is showcasing extraordinary artworks in our everyday life, helping us build a better London for everyone.”
