015/270: #SouthEaling – The Corner Shop

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It’s time to get back on the trail and head out to collect some more stations. Today i’ve decided on the Heathrow branch. I’ve always been fairly indifferent to this part of the network, and as I stated last time and in my video update, I’m not particularly fond of the Piccadilly Line and this is one of the reasons why. The Heathrow branch is unusual in that it is always busy even to it’s outer extremity. It’s not helped that the cramped space of the 73 stock are always jam packed with suitcases who’s owners aren’t always averse to the cultures and expectations of the average Londoner tube user.

I acknowledge this line and it’s branch are a means to an end – it’s an irreplaceable artery of the capital after all. I even know there are going to be some interesting stations with plenty of quirks and anomalies on this trip, but I’m secretly pleased I’m getting this out of the way early.

Anyway, we start at South Ealing which is the quiet before the storm. We’re back deep in the heart of Holden territory, but already something is off. South Ealing may well have been destined for a Holden facade like it’s neighbours at Acton Town and Northfields (016) but the onset of World War II put a stop to all of that. It hobbled along with a pre-war temporary structure all the way until 1988 when the present ticket hall was built. Now they could have constructed something bland, as was the way with late 80’s architecture, but I’m pleased to say they made the effort of attaching a mini-Holden style tower to the side of the ticket hall (and we’ll see more of this later). I also like how this little station blends into the parade of local shops.

Image copyright A Carter – CallingAllStations.co.uk

Music: Changing Stations With SNS Online

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What if every London Underground Line was a piece of music? What would it sound like?

Friend and colleague Nick Randell, presenter and producer of Scratch And Sniff podcast has been speaking to Daniel Liam Glyn composer of Changing Stations – possibly the greatest audible love story written about The Tube.

Daniel identifies himself as someone who has both Grapheme Colour and Spatial Sequence Synaesthesia; a neurological ‘phenomenon’ where a person perceives words, letters, shapes, and numbers in colour or sometimes taste and smell. This he has used to his advantage in the creation of his debut album – a truly multi-sensory experience that transports us to all corners of England’s capital city, allowing us to experience the sights, sounds and even smells of London, as well as the hidden thoughts and emotions of London’s daily commuters.

Hear Nick’s full interview with Dan and producer Katie Tavini below they explore the creative process behind putting every tube line to music. And for more great programming visit the SNS Online Soundcloud page.

014/270: #BlackhorseRoad – The Black Horse

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My first purpose day out collecting tube stations has come to a close at Cockfosters (013) and I’m now on my way home. Luckily the route home takes me through station 014 to connect with a bus back to South Woodford (001).

Blackhorse Road is a station of function over form. Brutalism divides opinion and there is a growing movement of admiration for buildings once considered as drab eyesores. The Barbican, Balfron, Trellick and even Euston are beginning to be appreciated as design icons of their times.

Unfortunately the 60’s were not as kind on tube station design. Whilst we’ll explore the merits of the Victoria Line’s infrastructure later, it’s surface level buildings tend to leave a lot to be desired. In fact most of them are barely there altogether, where they are somehow apologetically bolted onto existing infrastructure. It’s certainly a stark contrast to the early Brutalist stylings of Holden’s Cockfosters.

Blackhorse Road’s saving grace is a mural of, well, see if you can guess…

Image copyright A Carter – CallingAllStations.co.uk