An intricately hand-woven roundel has recently been revealed at Hackney Downs station in celebration of the newly-named line on which the east London station sits. The framed roundel has taken pride of place, having been mounted above the stairs that lead down to the Weaver Line platforms.
Made by local artist, Dalia Jamesthe roundel was created by stitching together patches of fabric that were weaved by members of the public during workshops at Chingford Community Hub. The roundel will now proudly welcome passengers down to the Weaver Line, which is one of the six Overground lines that have recently been given new names and colours.
In a bid to make the labyrinth of lines more identifiable and easier to navigate, the Overground lines were each given a new name. From Lioness to Liberty and Windrush to Weavereach name highlights the contribution of different communities across the capital. The Weaver Line celebrates and commemorates the historical significance of east London’s weaving and textiles industries. It weaves its way through areas including Spitalfields, Bethnal Green, and Hackney – each of which have strong connections to weaving and textiles. Spitalfields, for example, served as a refuge for French Huguenot silk workers, and became a central community within the capital’s textiles industry.
Trish AshtonTfL’s 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.
“We hope that customers using Hackney Downs 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.”
