Artist Accessorises Tee Shirts with Manhole Covers

Manhole covers: They're often something we step over without a second thought. But, as we highlighted in a previous article Manhole Covers: World Art Aesthetics at Our Feet, these everyday objects hide unexpected beauty in cities around the globe. Now, one artist is bringing this beauty into the spotlight by transforming these urban artefacts into wearable art.

What began as an innovative art form with Johannes Kohlrusch has since evolved into a commercial trend, showing that even the most functional objects can become sources of beauty and inspiration. While modern manhole covers may be less decorative, their importance cannot be understated. From urban streets to underground systems, manhole covers – whether artistic or purely functional – continue to shape our cities in more ways than one.

Turning Utility into Art

Artist Johannes Kohlrusch has developed a unique art form by using manhole covers as letterpress-style printing blocks to create intricate designs on tee shirts. The concept draws attention to the artistic value of these often-overlooked pieces of public infrastructure. From the ornate patterns of old European streets to the more geometric designs of modern urban planning, each print tells a story of the city's history, culture, and craftsmanship.

This artistic approach is a clever fusion of the ordinary and the extraordinary. By physically pressing the manhole covers onto the fabric, the artist captures the textures and details that would otherwise remain hidden beneath our feet. Each design is distinct, as it bears the imperfections and marks of the street, making every shirt a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

The idea was originally spawned by his textile design student daughter Emma-France Raff while living in Portugal, where she called it Estampatampa (‘print the lid’). Taking the idea back to Germany, she and her father renamed it Raubdruckerin (‘pirate printer’). I don’t know about you, but I much prefer the Portuguese name.

Appreciating the Overlooked

Much like our previous exploration into the artistry of manhole covers around the world, this project challenges us to appreciate the everyday objects we take for granted. The artist’s work emphasises how something as utilitarian as a manhole cover can possess artistic merit, embodying both function and form. The project brings this underground art to the surface—quite literally—and invites us to look down with a new sense of appreciation.

But what makes this approach so compelling is its authenticity. Each tee shirt design is not just inspired by a manhole cover; it is a direct impression, a tangible connection to the streets and cities we traverse. The artist's work is a celebration of urban life, encouraging us to engage with the beauty in what we usually ignore.

From Art to Commerce

While Johannes Kohlrusch introduced this as a niche art form, the concept has since been commercialised. Cheaper, screen-printed tee shirts are now widely available through online platforms such as Etsy. 

Although these reproductions lack the tactile connection of the original letterpress-style process, they still celebrate the artistry found in the streets. Manhole cover-inspired designs have captured the imagination of a broader audience, blending art, fashion and urbanism into a commercial success.

Manhole Covers: A Modern Role

While these artistic endeavours celebrate the ornamental beauty of historic manhole covers, modern designs – such as those from Drainfast – have taken a more uniform approach. Industrial production has made these vital infrastructure components more cost-effective and standardised, ensuring their reliability in maintaining public safety. Despite lacking the intricate patterns of the past, manhole covers continue to play an essential role in our daily lives, quietly protecting access to vital underground systems.

We hope you found this article interesting and feel inspired to look for beauty in less-expected objects. If you haven’t seen it yet, read our previous article Manhole Covers: World Art Aesthetics at Our Feet, where we talk about the beautifully crafted manhole covers that can be found in cities such as Tokyo and Berlin, and how the humble manhole has even inspired humorous street art in Stockholm and Bratislava.

If you would like more information on the extensive Drainfast range of manhole covers and drainage products, call our friendly team of experts on 01420 555600 or email [email protected]. 

Also, look out for more articles in our ongoing series of blog posts, bringing you useful information, insights, guides and tips on all things drainage!