A Day in the Life: Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

This may be one of the most memorable hidden treasures I’ve found in London thus far. I usually finish classes around 5 in the evening and my friend (who I spontaneously met at orientation), Naveen, and I decided to go cross the Thames River after our lecture. Naveen and I are infamously known for not being too geographically-inclined so of course, we got lost.

We began walking south from campus for around 15 minutes and reached the edge of the river. We were initially planning to go grab some grub, but we ended up at the Waterloo Tube station. What I love about long walks like these is that everything looks new to you. Every turn, glance, or stroll feels like you’re in a movie set. We crossed one of the many bridges through the Thames River and we got an amazing view.

Upon coming to London, one aspect of the city I was immediately drawn to was this rapid pace it was moving in. I step outside and I see businesspeople treating themselves to a rich brew at a pub after a long day of work, locals lounging with a cup of coffee outside, or even travelers hastily asking for directions. Although I loved this constant flow of energy London was radiating with, I noticed myself progressively appreciating my solitude, going on adventures in the city with just one other person, and especially some peace and quiet.

We ended up at an underground Tube station which, and much to my surprise, was almost completely empty. We strolled through this desolate part of the underground, as we listened to some musicians performing blues and saw locals heading home. After a few unprompted turns and staircase rises the rest of the world opened up to us and we arrived at what is now called the Leake Street Tunnel.

This tunnel was completely smothered with beautiful, ever-changing graffiti art. Luckily, we were able to witness some artists and other teenagers painting over the walls.

After chatting with some of the artists, I found that they come here almost every month and see an entirely new mural, creating a different scene at each visit. The Leake Street Tunnel, although eerie, was completely safe. Many other people pass through to take a short-cut or see a new design on the way to their destination.

Albeit some believe graffiti is a form of vandalism, it has always been such an underrated art form. But this 200-m strip of elaborate art murals and designs gives artists a way to express themselves freely (and legally) as well as take part in this underground culture that is not often exemplified in new media.

Anyone even remotely interested in underground culture has to come take a look. Bring your camera and see these remarkable street artists do what they do best.

“I don’t understand why when we destroy something created by man we call it “vandalism,” but when we destroy something created by nature we call it “progress.” –Ed Begley Jr.

Leake Street Tunnel

Leake Street

London SE1 7NN, England