Behind the Design: Transport for London Routemaster collection
All aboard! We have created a brand new collection in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) celebrating some of the most iconic images of London. Reflecting London’s rich design heritage, the range includes lots of our bestsellers, from stationery and kitchen accessories to the famous recycled jumbo bag.
The collection showcases TfL’s heritage poster designs, including one of the most recognised maps in the world, the original London Tube map from 1933, designed by Harry Beck.
As well as taking inspiration from TfL’s design history, we are also proud to have added our own distinct design touch by creating the Routemaster collection featuring the iconic red London bus. In-house designer Jan Konopka shares his insights into the design process.
What inspired the design?
The TfL x Rex London Routemaster bus design was inspired by many happy journeys through London by bus. As we’ve partnered with TfL for this design, I had access to their historical image library. It was so inspiring! They really embraced the ‘modern’ aesthetic and employed some amazing illustrators and designers.
Original designs for the London Routemaster
What was your design process?
I had a lot of fun sketching from life around London. It’s amazing when you wander through London. There are lots of quiet little ‘village’ areas, each with its own special character. The thing I started to notice was that wherever you are, there’s pretty much always a red bus in sight.
As soon as we started looking at creating the product range the iconic Routemaster bus image was chosen. It’s such a design classic, and is recognisable throughout the world. It’s also a great reminder that it’s better to take public transport rather than the car.
I had really great input from our buying team, design director and our partners at TfL. It was important that this design ‘sat’ well with the other heritage images within our TfL range.
What’s your favourite Routemaster product?
I’m really happy with the final design. It kept the feel of one of my earliest London sketches.
Seeing the design range grow is always really exciting. My favourite product so far is the Routemaster lunch box with tray. It’s perfect for a day out on the bus, visiting the great parks and landmarks of London, and of course don’t forget the London Transport Museum where you can see the famous Routemaster bus up close!
TfL Routemaster lunch box with tray, £6.95
Explore the full Rex London x Transport for London collection, starting from just £1.95.
