A Glasgow Subway seat has undergone a remarkable transformation into a stunning furniture piece through a DIY upcycling project. Matt McCallum, aged 30, seized the opportunity to own a piece of the beloved 1977 Subway stock after the trains were retired from service in June 2024. Discovering the seat on Facebook Marketplace, the architect deliberated on repurposing it into a dining bench or booth until spotting an ideal match in an IKEA furniture piece.
Expressing his admiration for the seat, Matt described the fabric as having a delightful texture, pattern, and colour. Reflecting on the period when the new Subway cars were being introduced, he eagerly acquired the seat with plans to determine its new purpose later. Placed in his Merchant City living room, the seat underwent a thorough cleaning process using his mum’s carpet cleaner to eliminate fifty years’ worth of underground grime.
Matt shared that this project marked his most intricate interior design endeavour to date. Expecting the water used for cleaning to be visibly dirty, he was surprised by the cleanliness hidden by the seat’s design patterns. He noted the ease of removing and replacing the seat covers for cleaning purposes, a feature he had not previously appreciated.
The unique furniture piece, now a focal point in Matt’s living room, is not intended for sale but rather cherished as a part of the city’s history. Matt expressed confidence that the seat, now experiencing significantly less use compared to its time in the Subway, would remain in good condition with regular cleaning.
In summary, Matt McCallum’s innovative upcycling project with a Glasgow Subway seat showcases the potential for creativity and preservation of historical elements in interior design. By repurposing a piece of urban heritage, Matt has not only created a unique furniture item but also celebrated the city’s rich transportation history in a new and stylish manner.