AN EXCITING collection of items relating to the London Underground are going under the hammer in Dorchester.

A celebration of the 150-year history of the Tube will see pieces dating back to the 19th century on sale at Duke’s Grove Auctions from 10.30am on Tuesday.

There will be a chance to bid on decadent train decorations from the 1920s and a host of other intriguing items offering an insight into an era when trains were new, exciting and glamorous.

A total of 16 lots belonging to a local collector are going on sale, which he accumulated during his teenage years in the 1980s.

The collector said: “These are really interesting pieces, but I wasn’t giving them enough attention as a collection in their own right.

“Somebody could frame them up and really enjoy them.”

The collection includes early ‘Metropolitan Railway’ display boards, a sign announcing new of the extension from Victoria to Brixton in the 1970s and a range of other items charting the history of the underground network.

Manager of the Grove saleroom Phillip Traves said: “The London Underground was one of the first institutions to incorporate cutting edge design and use the best contemporary artists, inviting contemporary artists to design signs, maps and public information notices.

“This approach means that every piece of Underground ephemera is directly relative to its cultural and artistic moment.”

He added: “This collection includes pieces by noted artist Hans Schleger, who famously signs his work as ‘Zero’.

“He worked for companies such as Shell in the 1930s and was influential in establishing the idea of companies using a corporate identity.

“It also stars maps of the Underground from the time of the British Empire Exhibition, created to be distributed to visitors who congregated from all over the world for this famous event.

“Whether you are looking for an item that showcases the history of British design, or the history of the London Underground, this collection offers something for everyone, from collectors to those wanting to create an original interior.”

For more information call Duke’s Grove Auctions on 01305 257544 or email grove@dukes-auctions.com