Get on board with Kirkby Design's new fabric collection

Derived from original, iconic designs historically used across the London Transport network, Underground Vol.II, is an eye-catching collection of upholstery velvets and readymade cushions.

Translating British heritage into a contemporary collection, Underground Vol.II features 7 distinct designs, originating from London transport lines.

Reworked as luxury upholstery velvets and playing with scale, texture and colour, the geometric prints are presented in a modern, trend-led palette.

With designs ranging from the 1930s to present day, Underground Vol.II taps into the rich design history of TfL, commemorating this aspect of London’s design reputation.

Check out these velvet sofas.

Here's a glimpse of the seven prints.

METROPOLITAN

This geometric moquette was widely used on surface and tube stock during the 1960s and 1970s and could be seen on the Metropolitan and Northern Lines up until their refurbishment.

CENTRAL

This moquette was designed by prolific designer Enid Marx circa 1938 and soon after used to re-upholster seats on over ground transport links, as well as on tube trains that operated on the Piccadilly and Central underground lines.

PICCADILLY

This intricate, geometric moquette design was introduced on the Piccadilly Line in 1994 as part of a refurbishment of tube trains from the 1970s which were serving at the time.

NORTHERN

Designed circa 1965 by leading British textile designer, Marianne Straub, this moquette was widely used between the 1970s and 1980s on the Northern, Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines and on London Transport buses.

bakerloo

This geometric moquette design was used in the 1960s for the refurbishment of the seating on tube trains originally built in the late 1930s to the late 1940s.

PULLMAN

Originally introduced on London County Council trams during the 1930s, this design was one of the first used when upholstered seats replaced wooden or leather seats.

HAMMERSMITH

Originally manufactured in 2011, this moquette design is currently still in use on the District, Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City Lines.

“London Underground is an iconic symbol of British culture. To be involved in its rich design history is very exciting for us. We are very proud to be part of TfL’s design heritage and bring this to a wider audience.” Jordan Mould. Creative Director at Kirkby Design.

See more flamboyant fabrics.

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites


A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.