All On The Board poet celebrates 25 years on the London Underground with heartfelt poem to himself

After years of putting smiles on the faces of London Underground passengers, one of the minds behind ‘All On The Board’ has finally turned the pen on himself.

It comes as a rare bit of self-praise from a man who is better known for writing words of encouragement for other people.

Mr Redpath wrote: “I’m not someone who blows their own trumpet because I don’t own a trumpet.

“But it’s my 25th anniversary at Transport for London, so I wrote this poem for myself.”

Over the past quarter of a century, Ian has taken on a series of roles at Transport for London, from technician to train driver, customer assistant and poet. He has worked at more than 120 stations, helping passengers get from A to B.

But for many Londoners, Ian is best known as one half of All On The Board alongside his friend and co-creator Jeremy Chopra.

The pair began their creative project at North Greenwich station in March 2017, when they decided the usual “keep right” and delay notices could do with a little more personality.

Ian and Jeremy remained anonymous for more than three and a half years, leaving poems, messages and tributes on station noticeboards before eventually revealing their identities.

Today, All On The Board has built a global online community of more than 750,000 followers, with famous admirers including Michelle Obama, Ricky Gervais, Katy Perry and U2.

Their boards have become a familiar sight around the Underground, covering everything from major news events and mental health to birthdays and the everyday ups and downs of life.

When bands and artists perform at The O2, the pair regularly create special themed boards outside the arena where concertgoers can stop for a photo before heading inside.

Both Ian and Jeremy have spoken openly about their own mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, and have used All On The Board to remind commuters going through difficult times that they are not alone.

Ian's anniversary poem is candid about his own journey.

“I’ve never had the desire to be a manager of any kind,” he writes.

“Because I can just about manage myself and I would never relax.”

He also reflected on the unexpected turn his career has taken, from being dubbed “Banksy of the Underground” to becoming a bestselling author.

“I was called a genius and nicknamed as a Banksy of the Underground,” he writes.

“But I’m just a fella who became a Sunday Times bestseller.

“Working for a living, trying to deal with my ulcerative colitis, depression, PTSD and panic attacks.”

Ian has spoken of his pride in working for Transport for London and everything he has achieved on his journey.

And while he is not considering retirement yet, Ian said he hopes to leave the Underground when that final stop eventually arrives.

“When my train has reached retirement and it’s time to foxtrot with Oscar and say goodbye,” he writes, “I will walk along the platform with pride and into the sunset.

“With an open mind of memories, no regrets and my head held high.”