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England has long been a center of mind-bending wonders. From its association with the story of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, to its Bohemian neighborhoods, its capital has quirky sights around nearly every corner.

But deep beneath the footpaths of London, there are tunnels with their own fascinating histories and mysteries. The city's underground subway system has many objects of interest.

Some of these artworks are so hidden in plain sight that they go unnoticed by the casual commuter. One such piece is an installation that spans 270 stations. The London Underground 'Labyrinth' is a series of drawings that commemorate the city's daily journey and the community forged along it.

Related: London In Two Days: How To Spend 48 Hours In One Of The U.K.'s Greatest Cities

About The Artist

The 'Labyrinth' was commissioned by Art on the Underground to commemorate the Tube's 150th anniversary. On the 9th of January, 2013, the metro unveiled the major project in celebration of the network's history and impact on the country. Its 270 stations were each emblazoned with a one-of-a-kind art piece.

The creator, Mark Wallinger, had already earned himself a reputation as one of the United Kingdom's most prominent contemporary artists. Born in 1959, he gained fame for his works about British society. He would be nominated for and eventually win the Turner Prize (one of the highest honors available for English artists). Additionally, his pieces would find homes in such renowned institutions as the Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The project was a personal one for Wallinger, as his childhood was largely impacted by his own voyages. His native town of Chigwell is well-connected to the Tube via the Central Line. As a result, the artwork aims to connect each passenger with their own journey, the same way he or did as he or grew up.

London Underground Labyrinth
Shutterstock
London Labyrinth by Mark Wallinger, London Underground, UK

London's Labyrinth

The labyrinths are a reflection of the London Underground. Each one is a unique design, handmade and installed across over 240 miles of tracks. The 270 artworks resemble spirals in nature (such as shells and galaxies) as well as in England's history (such as Stonehenge). Their shape and size are also a reference to the Tube's logo, which highlights its entrances to travelers.

They are unassuming, with simple black lines that curl around a panel of white enamel. However, they offer a unique way to appreciate your journey through London and beyond.

The concept behind the art installation is also inspired by the Tube. Their humble appearance is meant to illustrate how the massive transportation network is simplified and embedded into the unconscious minds of its passengers.

In the subway, each person follows a unique path. But in the end, they all reach their destination. The image of the labyrinth is an illustration of this. Through the drawing's twists and turns, each rider chooses their own thread to follow until they explore its interior and eventually find their way out again. By offering a space to contemplate their journey, Wallinger's labyrinths encourage passengers to examine their physical and mental progress throughout the London Underground.

Train moving in a London Underground Station, UK
Photo by Roy Reyna via Pexels
Train moving in a London Underground Station, UK

Related: It's Rumored That London Is Home To The Largest Secret Tunnel System In The World, So Here's What We Know

How To See The Pieces

As the labyrinths are scattered across every station on the London Underground, they make for a great detour. The Tube is usually the cheapest, and often the most convenient, way to get around the city and its suburbs. Some famous landmarks close to metro stops include the British Museum, Kensington Palace, and the Royal Albert Hall. Consequently, visitors to the capital can easily integrate some of the artworks into their sightseeing itinerary.

A popular competition is to visit all of London's Tube stations as quickly as possible. Referred to as "The Tube Challenge," it has seen a handful of people drop by each of its 270 stations (although this number changes depending on how many are open at the time). The labyrinths are a direct reference to the challenge. They each bear a handwritten number, ordered the same way as the route taken by a former record-holding team.

The 270 pieces are each located in different areas of their respective stations (on their exteriors, around their ticketing desks, or hung on an unassuming wall). They can be hard to spot in the hustle and bustle of the stations. So, the key is to keep your eyes peeled. Much like the London Underground, the true treasure lies in the journey.

Staying Safe

Unfortunately, London is also a hotspot for pickpockets. The metro can be dangerous for tourists who are not prepared for it. So, when stopping to admire the artwork, it's best to keep your guard up.

  • Tips: Try to make sure that you are out of the way of the crowd. Keep your bags zipped and near your hands. Most of all, keep a close eye on your phone and hold it securely. These precautions will help to prevent potential theft, as well as items getting lost or left behind.

All in all, London's Underground Labyrinths are a fascinating sight to see before you embark on your next adventure.