Unique Designs and Heritage Behind London Underground's Moquette Seats
London Underground uses moquette, a woollen fabric largely woven in Halifax, on its seats, setting its carriages apart from typical plastic or metal train interiors.
The fabric designs are steeped in history and symbolism, many linked to Frank Pick’s transformative influence on the network. Among Pick's legacies are the roundel, the tube map, Holden's architectural style, and the moquettes themselves. A museum shrine to Pick at Piccadilly Circus commemorates this heritage with brass watchwords emphasizing Utility and Beauty.
The Barman moquette, introduced in 2010 on the Northern line section between Leicester Square and Charing Cross, depicts London landmarks and was designed by Wallace Sewell. Named after Christian Barman, closely associated with Pick’s era, this design celebrates a deep connection to the network's history.
On the Bakerloo line, accessed via Charing Cross, a darker version of the Barman moquette adorns seats. Its crepuscular color palette mirrors the line’s older trains and echoes early moquettes like the 1920s Lozenge design, known for its dirt-colored tones.
Early 20th-century moquettes included the Lozenge from the 1920s, characterized by earthy colors. By the late 1930s, designers like Enid Marx and Marion Dorn introduced brighter moquettes featuring reds and greens, which reflected Pick’s influence and a shift toward more vivid and optimistic designs.
The Victoria line's Green Park station uses a moquette with multiple white Vs, evoking diamond facets. This design aims to alleviate the claustrophobia of a subterranean line that never rises above ground.
Central line trains currently feature the rare Tuppenny moquette, marked by red, black, and grey colors and nicknamed the “Tuppenny Tube.” Only two trains on this line carry it, making it more of a rarity than a standard feature.
The Elizabeth Line’s moquette showcases around eight colors, including royal purple. Also designed by Wallace Sewell, this pattern reflects line connections and the digital-style movement of trains, signaling a luxurious upgrade.
Sub-surface lines—Circle, Hammersmith & City, District, and Metropolitan—employ moquettes with color-coded rectangles to identify each line. Because these lines are cut-and-cover, this moquette is less hard-wearing, with visible wear near doors.
The London Transport Museum cafe incorporates moquette into its seating and offers moquette-themed merchandise. Its shop sells bags and cushions, paying homage to Pick’s philosophy that the quality of surroundings influences quality of life.
