Londonist is the proud media partner of London Transport Museum's Transported by Design season.
Modern trains and vintage buses: for the first time next month, you can visit both London Transport Museum's Depot and the Siemens Heathrow Express Depot on the same day.
The Design Uncovered Open Weekend (26-27 September) forms part of London Transport Museum’s London by Design season, with design fans and families invited to learn about the history of the transport system we use every day.
At the Museum Depot in Acton, find out how moquette — the iconic material covering the tube's seats — is made, with a talk from award-winning designer Harriet Wallace-Jones.
See the original printing blocks used for the Johnston font, London Transport’s iconic typeface, that you see around you everyday. You can also see newly discovered objects relating to Edward Johnston, the font's creator, including an original leather-bound gift to Frank Pick, Chief Executive of London Transport in the 1930s.
In addition, you can watch archive film screenings, hear expert talks about the vehicles and family tours and take part in activities among the depot's 320,000 historical items. Explore the collection of heritage trains and buses, vintage posters, uniforms, photos and more.
On 26 September only, a free shuttle bus will take you from the Museum Depot to the Siemens Heathrow Express Depot just a few miles away. Here you can see the Heathrow Express trains being maintained and learn about how they work. Aspiring train drivers (young and old) can also sit in a driver's cab, and ask train drivers about their jobs.
London Transport Museum Acton Depot open days take place 26-27 September, 11am-5pm. Tickets are £10/£8 and need booking in advance.
