The Poster Prize for Illustration 2019, London Transport Museum

The London Underground is a visual landscape like no other, gaining so much of its identity from the posters that line its walls. With 1.35 billion passengers passing through the Underground system each year, for many graphic artists it would be an absolute dream context in which to display their work. The Poster Prize for Illustration, organised by London Transport Museum and the Association of Illustrators (AOI), offers aspiring and professional illustrators a once in a life time opportunity to do just that.

The breadth and quality of talent that the prize encourages is truly astounding and, until 14 July, Londoners have a chance to see the 2019 submissions up close. With entry included in a London Transport Museum admission ticket, The Poster Prize for Illustration 2019: London Stories exhibition showcases the top 100 posters from over 1500 entries received.

This year, under the theme of 'London Stories’, artists were invited to create a poster that captures an inspiring London narrative, be it well-known or obscure. Representing an enthralling smorgasbord of tall and quotidian tales, subjects range from the ‘faceless woman of Becontree’ to a giant cockerel that hints at the origins of the term Cockney (spoiler: ‘Cock’s Egg’, meaning a small or defective one, was a disparaging term for inner city dwellers in the 14th century!). This is a chance to see our city in all its diverse glory, and even the most seasoned Londoner will discover something new and unique about the city; its history, its legends and its people .

After much deliberation, it was Eliza Southwood’s London is the Place for Me that stole the judges' (and our) hearts, taking home first prize. It consists of a vision of new British citizens disembarking the passenger ship HMT Empire Windrush when it arrived at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica over 70 years ago. In her masterful illustration, Southwood harnesses exquisite formal balance, emotive ebullience and a sense of pure optimism as she looks back to this defining moment in London’s history.

For the very first time, aside from the Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades, there will also be a fourth award on offer, decided wholly by the public. You can cast your vote when visiting the museum any time before 4 June, with the final winner being announced later in the month. Don’t miss this chance to support the London story you love.

Make sure to also check out the fascinating programme of talks coming up in conjunction with the exhibition. We’re curious to hear social historians Travis Elborough and Joe Kerr discuss one of the city’s most enduring icons – the London bus (21 March). Following this, BBC broadcaster and author Robert Elms will be giving a personal take on the vast changes London has seen in its recent history, considering the continued evolution of the vast metropolis he calls home (4 April).

London Transport Museum is one of the capital’s hidden gems and one of Culture Whisper’s favourite museums. Holding over 5,000 posters and artworks by famous artists such as Man Ray and Paul Nash, its collection of graphic art is truly one of the best in the world. And the best part of it all is that your museum ticket will be valid for a whole year.

So if you (like us) are overwhelmed by the talent on display in London Stories, you can go back as many times as you like to try and decide who your winner is. Plus you can return for the eagerly anticipated Hidden London exhibition, whic opens in autumn. While you’re there, make sure to check out the fascinating permanent collection as well. A truly worthwhile investment!

Click here to book tickets