London's two newest tube stations now have Mark Wallinger Labyrinths.
The artworks were unveiled at the two Northern line extension stations which opened in 2021 — Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms — by Wallinger himself. The occasion marks 160 years of the London Underground, and the 10th anniversary of the original Labyrinths which can be found at London's other 270 Underground stations.
Each Labyrinth — embossed on enamel, so it can be felt as well as seen — is permanent and unique to its station; Nine Elms's installation features nine concentric circles (an ode to the station's name) while Battersea Power Station station's new artwork depicts a four-cornered structure, reflecting the iconic four-chimney landmark it takes its name from. The two new designs are numerically linked to Kennington's Labyrinth (110/270) — so are numbered 110a/270 and 110b/270.
"I wanted to retain the integrity with all of the Labyrinths from the original project 10 years ago, and this in a way is a celebration of that 10th anniversary," Wallinger told Londonist at the double unveiling on 18 October.
The Labyrinths have proven extremely popular amongst tube travellers; there are even self-named 'Labyrinth hunters', who strive to tick off every one on the network. Indeed, a few of them were champing at the bit at the launch.
Eleanor Pinfield, TfL's Head of Art on the Underground, explained to Londonist: "People often go out with their families to find each one of them. Almost like a treasure hunt.
"I think Labyrinth has had one of the most interesting responses to public art that I can think of internationally. It's a very, very interesting project because they are relatively small works, but they are dispersed amongst the whole of London, which means for everyone travelling they can feel a sense that that is the one at their station, that is their home one."
Pinfield added, "Every Labyrinth is somewhere where you can actually go up and touch it, as well. It will never be somewhere out of reach or behind a barrier."
You can find Wallinger's new Labyrinths in the ticket offices of Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms.
