The final episode of this series of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) popular ‘Mind the Gap’ podcast looks at the rich history behind the textile industry and weaving in east London. The podcast episode also takes a closer look at the quintessential moquette seating designs, which are created through weaving, and used across London’s transport network.
The first part of the episode sees the presenter, historian Tim Dunn, travel on what will become the London Overground Weaver line later this year. Tim speaks to fine artist Anna Ray who has a special family connection to weaving and the history of textile production in east London. Anna talks about how weaving is a highly skilled craft, and how her relative was a French Huguenot who came over from France in 1713 and lived in Spitalfields as a silk worker. She gives a fascinating insight into the turbulent history of weaving and textiles in east London and highlights how you can see the impact of weaving in the area today.
The latter part of the episode brings in Honor Clough from Camira Fabrics who goes into detail on how the famous moquette is woven and created for TfL’s trains and buses. Finally, Claire Dilnot-Smith, a designer at TfL, spills the beans on what goes into designing the moquettes and designs across London’s transport network.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “The renaming of the London Overground lines provides an opportunity to reflect London’s rich, diverse history. This latest episode of Mind the Gap offers a fascinating insight into east London’s textile industry and the migrant communities who made east London their home.”
Emma Strain, Customer Director at TfL, said: ”We hope people will enjoy hearing about the really interesting history behind the new London Overground Weaver line, as well as taking a peek behind the curtain to see how our moquettes are created and made.”
