Tube Map Challenge

018/270: #Osterley – The Spire

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The original draft version of Osterley station featured yet another box like ticket hall. This was later revised by Holden and Hutton who instead opted for this low level ticket hall, tower and spire combination. It was felt this design would be more suitable and in keeping with the open nature of the area it was situated in during construction.

These days the true majesty of Osterely is lost behind tall trees, ugly fences, railings and the traffic of the A4 Great West Road.

Image copyright A Carter – CallingAllStations.co.uk

017/270: #BostonManor – The Skyscraper

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Though I might have a particular downer on the Piccadilly Line I’ve been most looking forward to Boston Manor. Holden’s assistant Charles Hutton played a particularly key role in coming up with Boston Manor’s striking tower which was quite a departure from the usual “Sudbury Box” design that we’ve already seen elsewhere on the line. The style change was necessitated by the limited space available for the ticket hall which sits on top of a raised deck above the tracks.

The design actually takes inspiration from Dutch architecture of the 1930’s, but it instead reminds me of a New York style skyscraper of a similar period. It looks stunning from every angle, especially from the east where it was being silhouetted against the low sun. It acted as a beacon of guidance for me as I walked from Northfields (016). I must remember to come back here at night!

Image copyright A Carter – CallingAllStations.co.uk

016/270: #Northfields – The 90 Degrees

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At Northfields we’re back in Holden country. Take a look inside the ticket hall and it looks remarkably similar to Oakwood (012) doesn’t it? The designs are almost identical, except Northfield’s ticket hall has been rotated by 90 degrees meaning the street is fronted with only a single clerestory window rather than all three. The stained glass roundel is a classic Holden embellishment, as are the up-lighters which are unfortunately spoilt by anti pigeon spikes.

Image copyright A Carter – CallingAllStations.co.uk

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