Introduction
Explore the story of London and its transport system during the last 200 years, highlighting the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, culture and society since 1800.
We care for over 500,000 items, including an impressive collection of over 100,000 photos documenting the changing face of the city - preserving, researching and acquiring objects to use in our galleries, exhibitions and other activities.
Search our Collections Online above by date, keyword, reference number; browse a collection type below; or discover our stories.
Browse all objects by collection type
London's transport, from horse and motor buses to trains, taxis, trams, trolleybuses and bicycles
Total items93
Photos capturing London's transport history from 1860s to the present day
Total items47kSpanning over 100 years, our poster collection represents a range of famous artists, styles, formats and techniques
Total items15kGeographic and diagrammatic maps covering all modes of transport from the 1860s to the present day
Total items7kLeaflets, booklets, guides, postcards, fare charts and other mostly paper items
Total items46kArchitectural, design, engineering and vehicle drawings relating to London's transport system
Total items44kVideos documenting London from the early 1900s including staff training videos, interviews and historical footage
Total items61Interviews with staff and those who have played a role in London's public transport
Total items100Administrative documents including certificates, log books, letters and licences
Total items3kItems from London's transport network including telephones, tiles, seating and signalling equipment
Total items2kDifferent types of equipment including ticket machines, typeface, canteen tools and accessories
Total items2kSeating fabric, mechanical and electronic parts and decorative features
Total items2kMedals, badges, games, trainers and even food wrappers associated with London's transport companies
Total items1kOperational and training guides relating to vehicles, systems and infrastructure
Total items1kTickets from horse and motor bus, trolleybuses, railway and Tube tickets and passes
Total items20kTimetables, traffic circulars and bulletins showing the complexity of the transport system
Total items38kClothing and accessories worn by staff from the 19th century to the modern day
Total items2k
