Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – In honour of the naming of the Weaver line, Transport for London (TfL) unveiled a roundel that was woven by Londoners at Hackney Downs overground station.
At Hackney Downs station, the framed roundel is placed above the stairs that lead to the two Weaver line platforms.
Artist Dalia James made it by combining individual works contributed by the public during workshops at Chingford Community Hub.
James, who grew up in east London, expressed her pride in “incorporating the community’s work” into the finished roundel.
What is the significance of the Weaver Line roundel?
According to Transport for London (TfL), the Weaver line is one of six Overground lines that have been renamed and recoloured to provide the route’s distinctive identities and facilitate network navigation.
The names draw attention to the many regions’ contributions to the capital.
The longstanding significance of the weaving and textile industry along the Weaver line is reflected in this instance.
It passes through historically significant textile-producing districts such as Spitalfields Market, Bethnal Green, and Hackney.
The French Huguenot silk workers found refuge at Spitalfields and established themselves as a major community throughout the city’s industry.
James said: “There is such a great sense of community in London, and being able to run two workshops whereby Londoners could be part of the commission makes this project one that I will be forever proud of.”
Ben, another contributor to make roundel, said that it was “amazing to be part of history”.
Another volunteer who provided a pattern, Ann, stated: “I have found my pattern. It’s quite prominent which I’m pleased about. It was quite fun looking for everybody else’s piece of work.
“It’s wonderful how it’s all come together and I think the artist has done us proud,” she added.
@TfL has unveiled a new roundel woven by Londoners at Hackney Downs Overground station to mark the naming of the Weaver line. It celebrates the historical significance of weaving & textile industries and communities along this line, in Spitalfields Market, Bethnal Green & Hackney
— Mayor's Press Office (@LDN_pressoffice) January 17, 2025
How is TfL involving communities in the Weaver Line project?
TfL collaborated with Chingford Community Hub and Cockpit in September to provide Londoners the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a permanent artwork for the London Overground Weaver line. Everyone who participated received a piece of the sign to weave during two free weaving sessions held at Chingford Community Hub. Each component was then woven together by its designer, Dalia James, to form the recognisable roundel.
Dalia James stated,
“Having been born and raised in east London, I was delighted to have been commissioned by TfL to create a woven tapestry of the new London Overground Weaver line’s iconic roundel. There is such a great sense of community in London.”
In addition to making the network easier to use, the names of each London Overground line celebrate the contributions made by many communities to the capital. The famous Tube map, station digital screens, onboard train information, audio and video announcements, and 6,000 station navigation signs have all been upgraded. Additionally, the TfL Go app has been updated to guarantee seamless travel for all users.
Trish Ashton, Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said:
“The London Overground Weaver line honours the rich history and vibrant spirit of the community in east London. The new London Overground line names are not only helping customers to navigate the network with greater ease but are a great way to celebrate people who have made a positive impact on communities the London Overground serves. We hope that customers using the Hackney Downs London Overground station will take a minute to look up to take in the new roundel when they next visit the station, and we’d like to thank everyone who helped create it.”
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How is TfL celebrating community and history with the Weaver Line?
The London Overground line names are part of multiple episodes on TfL’s Mind the Gap podcast. The rich heritage of weaving and the textile industry in east London is celebrated in the sixth episode. Fine artist Anna Ray discusses her family’s ties to the French Huguenot silk workers of Spitalfields Market with Tim Dunn, the podcast’s host. Details from Claire Dilnot-Smith, a designer at TfL, and Honour Clough of Camira Fabrics are also included in the episode. They describe how the famous moquette fabric used for train and bus seats was created.
In order to encourage Londoners to contribute poetry and artwork inspired by the new names for the London Overground routes, TfL sponsored a competition last year. Beginning at the end of January 2025, the Hackney Central London Overground station will feature the pieces created by the competition’s winners, which was available to Londoners of all ages.
What is the historical background of the Weaver Line in East London?
Six Overground routes, including the Weaver Line, have recently changed their names to improve navigation and honour the varied contributions of London’s communities. Hackney, where numerous Huguenot silk weavers settled in the 17th century, is one of the culturally important regions it passes through that are well-known for their textile industries.
The economy and culture of East London have been significantly influenced by the textile sector. Refined weaving skills provided by Huguenot refugees greatly increased local manufacturing. As a tribute to this legacy, the Weaver Line was named.
In addition to being an actual representation of this heritage, the new roundel makes the locals who helped create it feel proud of their community.
In the past, East London’s textile sector supported the local economy by providing thousands of jobs. It was one of the biggest employers in the area at its height.
The value of the textile industry in the UK is estimated at £9 billion, with a large percentage coming from design and production firms situated in London.
Localities such as Spitalfields are known for their rich weaving-related cultural legacy. East London’s rich heritage and sense of community are celebrated with the unveiling of the woven roundel at Hackney Downs.