London Underground Victoria, Bakerloo & Northern Lines and London Buses – Blue Straub Moquette Cushion

The Victoria Line was one of those moments when London demonstrated its confidence in the future. New technology and ambitious engineering made the headlines, but great design gave the new line its character, right down to the fabulous detail of the fabric used on its seats. Much of what was revolutionary in 1969 has since become commonplace, yet the quality of its design remains as striking today as it was yesterday.

The distinctive Blue Straub moquette appeared on Victoria, Bakerloo and Northern line trains, as well as London Transport buses.

In March 1969, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened London's new Victoria Line, travelling from Green Park to Victoria in the driver's cab of one of its new trains. Passenger services had begun the previous September, but the royal opening marked a moment of considerable pride for London Transport. With automatic train operation, purpose-built stations and a new approach to moving passengers quickly across the capital, the Victoria Line represented the future of urban travel.

Named after its designer, Marianne Straub (1909–1994), whose work ranged from the 1951 Festival of Britain to the interiors of ocean liners and the Victoria Line, Blue Straub reflects a career dedicated to bringing exceptional design into everyday life. Her work helped shape the character of London's transport, placing her in a proud line of groundbreaking women, from Enid Marx and Marion Dorn through to the current generation, Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell of Wallace Sewell.

Born out of the optimism of the late 1960s, it became part of the everyday London of the 1970s and continued to hold its own into the 1980s.

For millions of passengers, this wasn't a celebrated piece of textile design. It was simply the fabric of everyday London. The journey to school, the morning commute, a trip into the West End or the bus home after an evening out with friends and loved ones.

The Underground had its distinctive sounds and smells, while upstairs on a London bus the city unfolded through the windows. The fabric was there through it all, becoming part of memories that often have little to do with the journey itself.

The rich blues, turquoise and greens form a bold geometric pattern full of movement and character. The contrasting tones create depth, while the repeating shapes give the fabric a distinctive rhythm.

These were colours that felt modern and confident in the late 1960s, yet their combination has proved remarkably enduring.

At home today

What made Blue Straub distinctive on London's trains and buses makes it equally attractive in a contemporary interior.

Its blues and greens sit beautifully alongside warm timber, leather and neutral furnishings, while the geometric pattern brings character to mid-century and modern spaces.

Moquette was developed for demanding public transport environments, where seating fabrics needed to withstand years of frequent use. Its dense woven construction, tactile surface and durability also make it an appealing furnishing textile.

Colours and fabric characteristics

• Colours: Rich blue, turquoise and green
• Pattern: Repeating geometric design
• Style: Retro, mid-century and London Transport heritage
• Fabric: Textured, hard-wearing woven moquette

Product details

• Size: 40 × 40 cm
• Construction: Quality stitching and zip fastening
• Filling: Duck feather inner supplied as standard; hollow fibre available on request
• Design heritage: London Underground and London Transport buses

A little of London's proud design heritage, as relevant today as when it was created.

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Out of stock? Pre-orders are available. If this item is currently out of stock, you can still order it. Our usual pre-order lead time is 4–8 weeks.