For most of us the Tube is a mere means to an end to get us to and from work and/or the pub. But for some, namely Geoff Marshall and Anthony Smith, the Tube is a means to set world records.
For those not in the know, here are the rules: Continue reading
So whilst @mike_n5 of Instagram has captured (or is capturing) an image of every tube station, Jay Foreman has come up with a little song to help you remember them all. Pay attention, or you’ll miss your stop!
Jay is no stranger to the network, also posting this rather interesting account of the abandoned Northern Heights project.
It seems capturing the 270 stations musically is something of a trend. This offering by Tim McCready visualises all the roundels in a rather nice stop motion piece; whilst This from Ben Langham catalogues all 270 stations in order using samples of real tube network sounds.
Videos by Jay Foreman
Synaesthesia is a neurological condition that for want of a better phrase ‘mixes up the senses.’ Those with the condition often say they can see sounds as colours or taste words.
So what would the Underground look like if you could taste it?
Well a man called James Wannerton can map it out for you, based on what each station’s name ‘tastes’ like. Examples range from the absolutely delicious Lancaster Gate – Thin Crispy Bacon to the really quite bizarre Holloway Road – Fuzzy Felt. Some tastes actually reflect the real word: The ‘wood’ in South Woodford and Woodside Park conjure up flavours of Pine Nuts and Pine Cones respectively. Some words appear to add texture or temperature to a previous flavour. A trip to Leyton or, Lamb, would be quite appetising; whilst journeying one station further to Leytonstone would rather ruin the experience as the ‘stone’ turns the taste to Cold Lamb.
You can read James’ full story and see the complete map of flavours from The Telegraph here. Who has the tastiest station?
Here’s something that caught my eye recently… a fantastic photography project being developed by Instagram user @mike_n5 …
On his website mike_n5 discribes himself as “A Curator of London,” and what better way to showcase the capital than a comprehensive catalogue of images of all 270 London Underground stations.
Many of the images on Tube 270 feature the platforms we are familiar with (Epping (above), a personal favourite), but others exhibit some of the archeticture we may miss day to day. From the sweeping Moscow inspired roof of Gants Hill (below) to escelators, walkways and stair hand rails.
In 2012 Tim McCready undertook a similar project being photographed next to each of the 270 station roundels as featured on the TfL and Evening Standard websites. Tim published his work set to music…
You can eagerly await your local station or catch up with Tube 270 by visiting @tube270 on Instagram.
Check out mike_n5’s website for more Alternative London articles including a review of London Launderettes and a Love Story of Handrails.
Pictures by @mike_n5 (@tube270)
Video by Tim McCready
