To mark the 25th Anniversary of Transport for London (TfL), London Transport Museum has opened a new photography exhibition, Then and Now: London’s transport in photographs.
The new photographic display explores how public transport in London has evolved amid social change. Visitors will be able to compare scenes from the capital’s past with the present day, revealing the major influence transport infrastructure has had on the city’s development.
The exhibition features 40 photographs, bringing together historical images from the Museum’s collection – some dating back to the 19th century – alongside newly commissioned contemporary images by photographer and TfL Train Driver, Anne Maningas. London Transport Museum commissioned Maningas to document public transport in the city today as part of the anniversary celebrations. Her new images are responses to highlights from the Museum’s collection.
Anne Maningas is a self-taught, internationally published photographer whose work explores the themes of journeys, being in transit and public transport. Her unique perspective is influenced by her role as a Train Driver at TfL, where she brings a deep understanding of the city’s transport network to her work. As part of her collaboration with London Transport Museum on this exhibition, Maningas was loaned a vintage Bronica medium format film camera from the 1990s – previously used by a Museum photographer and curator.
Photographer and TfL Train Driver, Anne Maningas said, “As someone who works within the transport network, it was a privilege to document it from a different angle. These photos are my way of showing the quiet beauty in the movement of the city. Being able to use analogue film for this project added a sense of continuity with our transport heritage, and it was especially meaningful to shoot with a vintage film camera once used by a London Transport Museum photographer.”
Matt Brosnan, Head Curator at London Transport Museum said, “Photography has played a vital role in documenting the lives of Londoners as they travel across the city and its transport workers as they keep our capital moving. Our striking archive images bring to life London’s rich history and transport past. That’s why we commissioned Anne Maningas to create a contemporary response to standout images from our historic collection. These images reveal not only how the city has changed, but also how transport continues to shape the lives of Londoners every day.”
Then and now: London’s transport in photographs will run until Spring 2026. Entry to the Then and Now exhibition is included with Museum admission. Adult tickets to visit London Transport Museum in Covent Garden include free return day-time entry for a whole year, and kids go free!
To book visit ltmusuem.co.uk.
