The voice of Emily Medhurst, a recent contestant on the quiz show Mastermind, resonates with enthusiasm as she reflects on her unique choice of specialist subject: the patterned upholstery of Transport for London (TfL). Medhurst expressed her delight at the growing recognition of „beautiful design in public life,“ highlighting her passion for textiles and design that has roots in her upbringing in London.
Medhurst, who showcased her knowledge of London’s moquette—a durable woolen material used extensively in public transport upholstery—appeared on the BBC quiz program wearing a vest she knitted, inspired by the London Overground moquette designed by Wallace Sewell. Her performance on the show earned her eight points in her specialist subject, securing a third-place finish in the episode.
Background on London’s Moquette
The history of moquette in London transport dates back to the 1930s when textile designers were commissioned by London Transport to create exclusive designs. Medhurst’s affinity for this fabric is evident, as she dedicated approximately 100 hours to crafting her moquette-inspired garment. „I just love the colours. It was a bit of a labour of love,“ she remarked.
Her childhood memories are intertwined with quiz shows like Mastermind, Only Connect, and University Challenge. Medhurst reminisced about receiving 10p from her mother for each correct answer she provided while watching University Challenge, a practice that fueled her interest in trivia and knowledge.
Passion for Textiles and Public Transport
Medhurst’s decision to focus on moquette stems from her long-standing interest in textiles and design, coupled with her love for public transport. „I grew up in London and loved the Tube and the design that is part of TfL. I think everyone should have access to it,“ she stated. Her exploration of this subject was further enriched by attending an open day at the Acton depot, where she encountered a stand dedicated to moquette.
While she acknowledged that her knowledge of the woven fabric exceeded that of the average person, she emphasized that participating in Mastermind provided her with a valuable opportunity to deepen her understanding. „There was a lot of revision leading up to it. I wasn’t too nervous until the week before, and then it really hit that I was actually going to be on the show,“ she explained.
Insights into Moquette Design
Medhurst utilized various resources for her preparation, including books and the extensive archives available at the London Transport Museum. When asked about the qualities that define a good moquette, she noted that it should possess „a unique design, good use of colour, and a good identity to the line or what it was representing.“ She added, „If you’ve lived in London or travelled in London, you’ve obviously seen it.“
In a time when there is a trend towards minimalism and cost-cutting in design, Medhurst finds it refreshing that people are beginning to appreciate the artistry involved in public transport upholstery. „I think it’s cool that in a time where we want to make everything cheap, easy, and plain, people are noticing this thing that is beautiful design in public life,“ she concluded.
As the conversation around design in public spaces continues to evolve, Medhurst’s journey serves as a reminder of the significance of aesthetics in everyday life, particularly in the context of public transport.
Quellen: bbc.co.uk
Bildquelle: Foto von Donna White auf Unsplash
This text was created with the help of artificial intelligence in collaboration with our editorial team.
