A seesaw chair shaped like the London Underground logo with 1970’s seat covers has been created by a Kingston University student, writes Gabriela Kerezova.
The design celebrates London Underground’s 150th anniversary.
Graphic design student, Clare Newsam, 22, was inspired by the circle and bar shaped logo as part of her final-year coursework.
The design even features seats covered in the same orange, black and brown fabric as the real trains did in 1978.
She said: ““I was doodling the logo when I started thinking about how getting a seat on a train isn’t always possible at busy times.
“What if I incorporated the two ideas to make something fun and playful?”
“It was then that I drew one person sitting on each end of the logo and the idea of the seesaw was born.”
She bought the widely-recognizable fabric from the London Transport Museum. The project is the first time the young artist had worked with woodwork or upholstery. She made the seesaw by hand at the university’s workshop.
Dr David Lawrence, Kingston University architectural historian, said: ““Clare’s creation works with the wit and inventiveness that typifies the best of London Underground design.
“The smart move of turning a symbol in to a seat for two, clearly referencing transport and the city, deserves to take the roundel seesaw far.”
Her design will be exhibited at the Hoxton Arches in East London until June 29.
The exhibition will also feature two other Kingston University’s students’ works. Thomas Farrall created a water-filled see through hand rail with miniature model commuters inside.
Meanwhile Joana Galvao came up with the idea for a smart phone app which would guide tourists around London’s cultural attractions.
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