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016/270: #Northfields – The 90 Degrees

ImageAndy Carter 1 Comment

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

ImageAndy Carter 1 Comment

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

014/270: #BlackhorseRoad – The Black Horse

ImageAndy Carter 2 Comments

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