A short walk away from Waterloo Station lurks one of London’s hidden gems, Leake Street Tunnel. It is basically what the name suggests, a tunnel in Leake Street. However, it is not your typical tunnel; dark, dingy, creepy. In fact, it is all those things and much more; it is covered from top to bottom in street art and is the place to be if you’re an aspiring street artist in London. It seems to have become tradition to go there and express yourself in this unique way and it is tolerated, despite graffiti actually being illegal.
The artwork ranges from aspiring street artists merely experimenting/rebelling/playing, to mediocre art, to absolutely immense and inspirational imagery with all of it astonishingly vibrant and bold. It is literally all around you – on the walls, the roof, the poles, the plant pots, even on the shoes… (is the cigarette butt purposeful do you think?!)
What makes Leake Street Tunnel even more poignant is that there are street artists actually producing art as you approach the tunnel. I got the impression that there are different artists working on the tunnel at all times of day and the artwork constantly rotates and is constantly changing. This means that the tunnel is never the same and the audience is treated to something new every time they visit.
I love this David Bowie tribute and I am trying SO hard not to let the lack of apostrophe bother me… Yes, you may have guessed it, I am one of those raging grammar correcting fiends. This is still an awesome tribute though from a clearly very talented graffiti artist.
There is a distinct smell of graffiti spray in the tunnel, as the artists are busy at work, which brings the whole experience to life and makes it all feel very in the moment. There is a real grunge and free-spirited vibe to the place; people are free to express themselves how and when they want. For artists, this means everything. There were people just hanging out watching the artists at work too which gave the tunnel a real warmth and sense of community. I wasn’t sure whether these people were known to each other or whether some had just come to watch the art happening, socialise, get inspired and enjoy a bit of free, unique entertainment.
I think it is a brilliant idea to have an area for controlled graffiti and freedom of expression; a place where people can go to browse the street art and be a part of a community.
I would say, obviously, to use your own judgement should you visit the tunnel, but I felt safe there. Perhaps at various times of day though, like with any public place, it might be wise to keep vigilant whilst you’re in there. You can normally tell if the mood is ok in a place and it was very laid back and relaxed when I went and everyone was busy getting creative. There were lots of busy London commuters passing through but at quieter times of day the tunnel may have a different mood to it.
Leake Street and the surrounding area was originally a very poor area, a community stricken with poverty. However, the world’s best loved street artist, the indispensable Banksy put the tunnel on the map during the Cans Festival organised by Banksy himself in 2008. Now Leake Street Tunnel also known as Graffiti Tunnel or the Banksy Tunnel proudly continues the tradition all along the 300 metre long tunnel that lurks beneath the platforms and tracks of Waterloo Station.
I love the expression on this plant pot. (A sentence that quickly becomes the norm at Leake Street!)
A very cute bunny rabbit…holding a grenade. Standard.
This is what I meant earlier when I said that some people come to rebel and experiment. Random scribblings over an immense piece of work.
So there you have it, London’s very own street art tunnel boasting some of the best street art to be found in the city. I recommend giving this general area of Waterloo a visit too as there is a really lovely Cuban restaurant close to the station, a great market running along Lower Marsh Street which will satisfy your hunger pangs with its delicious and affordable street food. Not to mention some very cool looking bars and quirky shops and of course, The Vaults Theatre, the underground theatre which hosts some of the most unique and enchanting performances in London.
I thoroughly recommend giving this area of London a visit, it will be sure to leave you spellbound.
