Did you know? Imran Qureshi designs map for London underground’s anniversary

Qureshi used techniques of traditional Mughal miniature painting to present an elaborate floral design for each line on the network.

Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi has designed the cover of the London Underground’s 150th Anniversary Pocket Tube map. The map is the final art commission of the tube’s anniversary celebration, and has been released just in time for Christmas, according toArtLyst. 12 million copies of the map have been distributed throughout the London tube network, making it one of the most widely spread art commissions in the world.

For his cover artwork, entitled All Time Would be Perpetual Spring, Qureshi used techniques of traditional Mughal miniature painting to present an elaborate floral design for each line on the network, inspired by their distinct colours.

Speaking about the commission, Imran Qureshi said: “I was inspired by a life, an activity, and an amazing energy going on hundreds of feet down below the ground. Each colour represents life – colourful flora which are growing and creating a completely new atmosphere and a positive energy.” Imran Qureshi lives in Lahore, Pakistan, where he teaches at the National College of Arts.

Head of Art on the Underground Tamsin Dillon said: “Qureshi has made a fantastic work for the new pocket Tube map; I love the way it references the actual London Underground map with its vibrant colours inspired by the various Tube lines.