The London Transport Museum is putting on a display of recent discoveries this weekend (26th and 27th September) when its Acton depot, which is normally closed to the public, opens its doors as part of the Design Uncovered open weekend.
Forming part of the Museum’s London by Design season which opened earlier this month and running until 10th April 2016, Design Uncovered is a chance to celebrate London’s enduring transport heritage and its now internationally recognised branding.
![Acton_Depot_Open_Weekend[1]](https://i0.wp.com/lovelondonloveculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/acton_depot_open_weekend1.jpg?ssl=1)
Guests will be invited to look at the newly discovered objects that relate to Edward Johnston and the beginnings of the world-renowned Johnston font, a version of which has been used on a variety of publicity materials and the network since 1916. It is known as ‘London’s handwriting’ and is seen by thousands of passengers on transport signage and branding everyday.
![Johnston_block[1]](https://i0.wp.com/lovelondonloveculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/johnston_block1.jpg?ssl=1)
Some of the items on display will include the original printing blocks used for the Johnston font and an original leather bound gift featuring Edward Johnston’s last piece of public calligraphy, given to Frank Pick the then Chief Executive of London Transport – who commissioned many of London’s transport design icons.
In addition, visitors will get an opportunity to see classic London Underground signs, uniforms, vintage buses and trains from the depot’s collection of 320,000 objects.
![LTM_27Feb_082[1]](https://i0.wp.com/lovelondonloveculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ltm_27feb_0821.jpg?ssl=1)
Head Curator at London Transport Museum, Elizabeth Scott said: “Seeing these original printing blocks, Underground signage and other objects on display allows visitors to see for themselves how little the font and transport network’s logo has changed over the years and how right Johnston and Pick got things all those years ago.”
Entry to the Museum Depot in Acton is from 11am-5pm, with last entry at 4pm. On Saturday 26th, visitors can also take a free shuttle bus to the nearby Siemens Heathrow Express Depot, where you can learn more about the modern train design. While on the Sunday, there will be a talk given by Harriet Wallace-Jones of Wallace and Sewell – the award winning design duo that has created the contemporary and iconic upholstery for today’s London Underground and London Overground train seating.
To buy tickets for the Design Uncovered open weekend visit: http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/ .