Going Underground.

This weekend I ventured below the streets of Holborn to witness an exhibition by artist and sculptor Conrad Shawcross. It’s situated in the depths of the disused Kingsway Tram Subway which opened in 1906 to carry London’s commuters from Angel to Aldwych until its closure in 1952.

Since then, the tunnel has been off limits to the public until this month, when it re-opened once more to host ‘Chord’; A site specific installation, designed by Shawcross. The exhibition consists of two giant ‘knitting’ machines which are continually weaving 324 coloured rope spools together as they slowly move further and further down the subway system.

The installation itself is pleasant enough, but for me, the 30 minute guided tour of the tramway itself really stole the show. Visitors get to wander the empty tracks and old platforms of the Kingsway station, as well as taking in the ‘Union Street’ TfL roundels which adorn the walls. However, many of the signs and posters which you can see are in reality old props from a number of films which have used the tunnel as an Underground set.

The exhibition and guided tour is free, with booking through Measure required. It’s open until November 8th, when the rope runs out.

Photography of the installation has recently been banned so many thanks to The Londonist for the shots above.