Will Noble

All The Roundels In Westminster Tube Station Just Got A Pan-African Makeover

Photo: GG Archard. © Larry Achiampong. Courtesy of the Artist & Copperfield, London

On your next trip to Westminster tube station, you'll notice something different about the roundels.

All 70 have been reimagined in the pan-African colours, by British Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong.

Photo: GG Archard. © Larry Achiampong. Courtesy of the Artist & Copperfield, London

The traditional red, white and blue livery favoured by London Underground since 1908 makes way for colours symbolising the unity between all people of African descent. Explains TfL:

Green, black, and red reflect the land, the people and the struggles the continent has endured, while gold represents a new day and prosperity.

Photo: GG Archard. © Larry Achiampong. Courtesy of the Artist & Copperfield, London

In all, there are eight dynamic roundel designs to look our for in the station. They all relate to Achiampong's concept of 'sanko-time', based on African mythologies and their relationship to science fiction.

Roughly translated 'sankofa' means 'to go back for what has been left behind', as well as alluding to using the past to prepare for the future; the wish of being able to go back to an immutable point to make sure that what has been lost is not lost any longer.

Photo: GG Archard. © Larry Achiampong. Courtesy of the Artist & Copperfield, London

Says Achiampong:

To be given the opportunity to create an artwork that opens up questions around history and contemporary society, whilst celebrating the innumerable stories that have passed through this city feels timely and important. It is a legacy that I am proud to be part of.

Photo: GG Archard. © Larry Achiampong. Courtesy of the Artist & Copperfield, London

You can see the roundels until February 2020.