Tunnel vision
TAKE A LOOK AT LONDON’S ONE OF LONDON’S MOST COLOURFUL WALKWAY, JUST UNDER WATERLOO STATION
TUNNELS are normally dark, damp, depressing places which you look to scamper through as quickly as you can.
But nobody ever rushes through this extraordinary tunnel nestled under one of London’s busiest railway stations, as every spare centimetre of space is filled with amazing street art. Restricted to pedestrians only, the Leake Street Tunnel is located under Waterloo Station and is a safe haven for talented artists to express themselves.
The colourful underpass is effectively a free art gallery.
The tunnel’s landlord, London & Continental Railways Limited, allows graffiti to be sprayed on the walls. Its only stipulations are that any art containing sexism, racism or adverts will not be tolerated and artists must also take their litter home.
So why visit the tunnel?
If you like street art – this is a wonderland.
When we visited there was everything from paintings of superheroes to a stunning portrait of Michael Jackson.
From floor to ceiling, vivid images are spread across the walls and sometimes you get to see the artists at work. As the space is a free-for-all, the art changes every day and keeps visitors on their toes as no two days are the same when exploring the tunnel.
As the colourful tunnel is a public walkway there is no charge to visit.
What’s the best time to visit?
Leake Street Tunnel is a little walk from a main road, so you may not want to visit alone at night or early in the morning.
Plus, if you visit during the day you will see a range of spectators including families, individuals, couples and groups of friends all enjoying the artwork together which creates a superb atmosphere.
And sometimes artists will be at work which allows passers-by to witness a masterpiece come to life in front of their eyes.
Where is the tunnel located?
Located a short walk away from Waterloo station, Leake Street is located in the London borough of Lambeth.