labyrinth

Have you ever felt like you were lost in a maze? Well, you don’t have to travel far to get that feeling in London. In fact, the maze is right under your feet, or more precisely, above your head. These are the labyrinths of the London Underground, an extraordinary artwork commissioned by Transport for London. As you board the Tube, notice the floor, the waiting area, the walls around you. These intricate designs, made of black, white, and red enameled plaques, are the work of the British artist Mark Wallinger. There are 272 of them spread throughout the Tube network, one for every station, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the London Underground.
Each labyrinth is a unique design, with a single path that leads you to the centre, a symbol of the journeys we take in life and the paths we choose. While you navigate through the underground, you can think about the labyrinth as a representation of the network itself. Every intricate line and connecting station mirrors the interconnectedness of London and the paths we take in our daily lives. Each labyrinth is numbered according to the route taken by contestants in a Guinness World Record Tube Challenge.
The next time you’re on the Tube, take a moment to pause and appreciate the artistry of the labyrinths. See if you can find the one for your stop. Let the design guide your thoughts, and reflect on your own journey.