Transport for London (TfL) has issued the 42nd version of its pocket Tube map, with a new cover illustration by internationally renowned artist Ellen Gallagher.

Working as part of TfL’s Art on the Underground programme, Ellen has designed a new cover with the theme Fast-Fish and Loose-Fish. Her design was inspired by London’s maritime past and the hidden histories beneath the city, and prompts passengers to reflect on their physical and historical space.

She has previously created works exploring literature, mythology, racial identity, stereotypes, and oceanic themes, and for the latest Tube map, she combined those interests with references to literature and London’s geography.

Herman Melville’s story and film, Moby-Dick, which tells the story of the adventures experienced by a young cabin boy, Pip, after he falls overboard.

Based on Pip’s adventures, Ellen imagines what he experienced underwater and uses the skeletal form of a whale lying on the seabed as the map’s central composition, surrounded by themes of marine life, transatlantic history, and memory.

She also drew inspiration from the long-buried River Fleet and historic wells such as Clerkenwell and Sadler’s Wells that mark the river’s course through the city.

Harry Beck’s iconic 1933 design of a map of London’s underground, which largely ignores geography in providing a clear and navigable diagram, also inspired Gallagher.

In March, TfL released an updated edition of its free Art Map, showing new displays commissioned since 2016. The cover of a previous version of the Tube map celebrated TfL’s green-fingered staff.

“TfL’s Tube map is one of London’s most recognisable icons and this new pocket map with artwork by Ellen Gallagher offers a fresh way to explore the city’s history. The bold designs will encourage people to look beyond the familiar network and discover the capital’s rich maritime past as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries

“Gallagher’s Fast-Fish and Loose-Fish is an enthralling reflection on London, layering the city’s subterranean rivers against a wider oceanic backdrop. With literary references from Moby Dick and influenced by the classic London Underground map design from Harry Beck, this new artwork reflects the city back to millions of people who travel on TfL services each day.”

Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground