Tate gives Tube roundels at Southwark station a modern makeover

This is the first time the traditional colours have been changed since the sign was introduced in London in 1908

Lizzie Edmonds @lizzieedmo17 June 2016

The roundels at Southwark Underground station have been given a colourful makeover to coincide with the opening of the new Tate Modern.

The gallery commissioned artist Michael Craig-Martin to reimagine the roundel — the first time the traditional colours have been changed since the sign was introduced in London in 1908.

The artworks will be displayed at the platforms at Southwark station, the stop closest to Tate Modern, from tonight until Sunday. The project is a collaboration between the artist, the Tate and Art on the Underground — the project that installs artwork on the Tube network.

Mr Craig-Martin said: “It is particularly nice to have the opportunity to play a little with such a classic motif as the Tube roundel.

“I hope it catches the eye and the imagination of people arriving to see the extraordinary new Tate Modern.”

Frances Morris, director of Tate Modern, said: “As art changes, we are changing. So it’s fitting to change this London icon for the opening weekend of the new Tate Modern. Michael’s artwork will be a fantastic addition to the weekend with the roundels being the first artwork people encounter when they travel to Southwark station.

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“We are always looking at innovative ways to take art beyond the gallery walls and this fits the bill perfectly.”

The opening of the new Tate Modern will be celebrated with free live performances, new commissions and a host of other special events. The gallery will stay open until 10pm over the weekend.

tate.org.uk