Travel & Places Europe (Continental)

Victoria Line Tube Platform Tile Motifs

The Victoria Line is one of the younger London Underground lines as it was opened, in stages, from 1968 to 1971. It links Walthamstow in north-east London to Brixton in south London and is the only line entirely underground, besides the Waterloo & City line.

Other proposed names for the line included the “Walvic line” (Walthamstow – Victoria) and “Viking line” (Victoria – King’s Cross).

When the Victoria Line opened, each station was given a different visual identity using tiled motifs on the platform walls and seat recesses. Well-known designers were asked to produce an individual tile mural for consideration and the designs related to the name of the station or its surrounding area.

Two have changed since the line opened (see Oxford Circus and Green Park).

Do enjoy these photos of the platform tiles and information about each is included, plus some tube geek extras.


1. Walthamstow Central


The Walthamstow Central tube platform tile mural by Julia Black and is an orange tapestry design and an adaptation of a William Morris design.

See a larger photo of the Walthamstow Central tile motif and find out more.More »


2. Blackhorse Road


The Blackhorse Road tube platform tile motif is a black art nouveau horse designed by German-born designer Hans Unger.

See a larger photo of the Blackhorse Road tile motif and find out more.More »


3. Tottenham Hale


The Tottenham Hale tube platform tile motif is of a foot ferry on the River Lea.

See a larger photo of the Tottenham Hale tile motif and find out more.More »


4. Seven Sisters


The Seven Sisters tube platform tile motif is of seven elm trees and is by the German-born designer Hans Unger.

See a larger photo of the Seven Sisters tile motif and find out more.More »


5. Finsbury Park


The Finsbury Park tube platform tile motif is of a pair of crossed flintlock pistols and is by Tom Eckersley.

See a larger photo of the Finsbury Park tile motif and find out more.More »


6. Highbury & Islington


 The Highbury and Islington tube platform tile motif is of a large house that looks like a castle and is by Edward Bawden.

See a larger photo of the Highbury & Islington tile motif and find out more.More »


7. King's Cross St Pancras


The King's Cross St Pancras tube platform tile motif is quite literal as it is five crowns in the shape of a cross.

See a larger photo of the King's Cross St Pancras tile motif and find out more.More »


8. Euston


The Euston tube platform tile motif is of the Euston Arch that, ironically, was knocked down before the line opened.

See a larger photo of the Euston tile motif and find out more.More »


9. Warren Street


The Warren Street tube platform tile motif is of a maze and is a witty pun on the station's name. It was designed by Crosby/Fletcher/Forbes.

See a larger photo of the Warren Street tile motif and find out more.More »


10. Oxford Circus


The Oxford Circus tube platform tile motif incorporates the circle of the circus with the linking of the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines.

See a larger photo of the Oxford Circus tile motif and find out more.More »

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