Sorcha Dallas

Art on the Underground have commissioned 100 contemporary artists to make new works of art that are inspired by London Underground’s ‘Roundel’ logo, one of the world’s most recognised brands. This exciting set of commissions marks the 100th anniversary of the celebrated design classic.

The exhibition recalls a period of commissioning established by Frank Pick in the 1920s and 30s. During this period, artists were invited to make new works of art that directly employed the roundel as a symbolic element. In revisiting this approach to commissioning, the exhibition presents a contemporary vision of the logo and the organisation it represents through the eyes of some of the best artists working today.

The exhibition reflects both Art on the Underground’s support for artists at various stages in their careers as well as presenting work by artists based internationally and in the UK. The participating artists are representative of a broad range of contemporary artistic practices further supporting London Underground’s considerable reputation as a patron of the arts.

All 100 new works will be exhibited at the A Foundation Gallery in East London (9 – 30 October 2008). A selection of works will also be mass produced for display across the London Underground network as posters and in fold out information sheets.

As a key element of the exhibition Art on the Underground are hosting an auction of one of a pair of prints of each of 100 artworks. The remaining work from this paired edition will be permanently archived in the London Underground collection alongside the original works which inspired the project. The auction will be held on Wednesday 29th October

A series of events are being scheduled to coincide with the exhibition, including exhibition tours and artists’ talks. These will be hosted in the exhibition as well as at the London Transport Museum in conjunction with ‘The Art of the Poster – A Century of Underground Design’, from 16 October.

A full list of artists and events will be available from 19 September at tfl.gov.uk/art

Venue: A Foundation Gallery, Rochelle School Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 12-6pm. Nearest Underground stations: Liverpool Street, Old Street Art on the Underground: Floor 5E, 55 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BD 0207 027 8694 art@tube.tfl.gov.uk tfl.gov.uk/art