English: In the late 1960s, London Transport appointed a collective of designers, artists and architects who designed all aspects of the Victoria Line. The distinctive designs in each platform seat recess on all of its 16 stations provided much needed colour and decoration and gave each stop its own visual identity. The results were a mixture of direct inspiration from the station name and references to historical details of the local area.

The design for Tottenham Hale is by Edward Bawden (1903–1989). The name is derived from a ferry that crossed the river Lea (or Lee) in earlier times. It takes its name from the old English word ‘hale’ (to hoist or pull), as goods (particularly timber) were unloaded from the river Lea for onward transport by road at this point.

Bawden also designed the ceramic tiles for Victoria (tube) station and Highbury & Islington tube station.