Graffiti Train - Blank canvas for urban art

Like it or not, London Underground Trains are often seen as canvases for "urban art", "street art" or graffiti. People like Banksy have certainly popularised the idea that urban art is not only that (ie artistic) but that it's also worth a shedload of money. Many people thought that the Tube Carriage offices in the sky were just an art installation and not real offices.


Yesterday I was at an exhibition of Street Art at the Tate Modern which was combined with a photo walk where you could explore nearby streets in Southwark. It was a real eye opener and you can see some pictures I took in the link above (Flickr kindly laid on some food & drinks for us after the walk - photos here).


On the way back I popped into the Southbank Centre shop which has lots of trendy and unusual gifts in it. One of them was a "Graffiti Train". You can see from the picture above that it's sold as a "blank canvas" with transfers and paint so you can "graffiti your own train".

So if you've ever felt the urge to do some legal graffiti or become the next Banksy, Bob's your Uncle.

I also spotted some interesting graffiti on British Rail door down Clink Street:


I'd love to know who Mr Guy is and why he's buff. The broken chain on the door also seemed kind of appropriate for "Clink Street". I'm assuming the door's not in use any more and have no idea where it originally led to.

Final reminder for your last chance to win lunch in the Tube Office Carriages & get a close up view of the graffiti and see in inside the offices - the prize draw closes tomorrow.