London, 2013-Jan-16
A year-long schedule of events, activities, seminars and open-days kicked-off at the weekend (Sunday, 13th January) with heritage steam train runs recreating the very first passenger journey that took place on the Metropolitan line in 1863. All the events taking place in 2013 will explore the Tube's history and look at the role it will play in the future - both in the lives of Londoners and the economy of the City and broader UK.
The lure of the Underground, by Alfred Leete, 1927
February sees the launch of the Siemens-sponsored Poster Art 150 exhibition at the London Transport Museum. Since its first graphic poster commission, London Underground has developed a worldwide reputation for outstanding poster designs, becoming a pioneering patron of poster art - a legacy that continues today.
Poster Art 150 will showcase 150 of the best designs chosen by an independent panel. Using the Siemens Poster Vote visitors will be invited to vote for their favourites and the most popular poster will be revealed at the end of the exhibition. Well-known posters, including the surrealist artist Man Ray’s ‘Keeps London Going’ pair, will feature alongside lesser-known gems. The exhibition, which runs from 15th February through to October, will also offer a rare chance to view letter-press posters from the late nineteenth century.
Later in the year, London Transport Museum’s store at Acton will open its doors for special behind the scenes events. Themed days will include photography, art and design and creative writing days. London Underground will also take the opportunity to open up the disused Aldwych Underground Station to the public for a series of special ‘residency’ evenings.
Steve Scrimshaw, Managing Director of Siemens Rail Systems in the UK, commented: “The Tube is iconic and unique, a transportation system held in high regard around the world. No matter who you are, or where you come from, a visit to London for either business or pleasure is made easier thanks to the network of Underground trains and tunnels running across our Capital city.
“Siemens own relationship with London Underground extends back to the 1890s, when the very first electric underground locomotives made their appearance in London. Indeed, equipment designed by Siemens is still commonly used in electric motors today. We are therefore delighted to be supporting the 150th celebrations, with the year made even more special as it coincides with our own 170th anniversary in the UK.”
He concluded: “Congratulations to all the men and women who keep London Underground - a system that has been copied worldwide - operating to peak performance, night and day, to showcase the UK’s rail expertise on a global stage.”
Mike Brown, Managing Director of London Underground and London Rail, added: “This is a hugely exciting year for London Underground. I would like to thank Siemens, and our other sponsors, for their support of the 150th celebrations and their commitment to helping us explore our Tube’s history and the role it will play in our country’s economic development in the future.”
For further information of the full range of activities taking place over the year please visit: http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/tube150/calendar
Ends
Notes to editors:
About Siemens in the UK:
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 170 years ago and now employs around 13,520 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £3.2 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
Siemens Rail Systems
As part of the Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector, Siemens Rail Systems Division provides expertise and technology in the full range of rail vehicles – from heavy rail to metros to trams and light-rail vehicles. In the UK, the Division employs around 700 people and maintains over 350 Siemens passenger trains for First TransPennine Express, South West Trains, Heathrow Express, National Express East Anglia, Northern Rail, London Midland and ScotRail.
For more information, contact:
Laurie Waugh
Head of Communications
Rail Systems Division
Tel: +44 (0) 7921 242074
Email : laurie.waugh@siemens.com
