Yet another Open House London has come to a close, and yet again it’s been a wonderful adventure. Open House London is a weekend when buildings through open their doors to people who would normally never get a look inside. Also, it’s free.
You can find out more at londonopenhouse.org.
In time, I’ll get blog posts up from ALL of the incredible places we visited, but in the meantime – here’s some photo highlights/previews of where we went!
Baitul Futuh Mosque – Merton – a former dairy bottling factory that was converted into a mosque in 2003. It is the largest in Europe, and can accommodate 13,000 Muslim worshippers.
The Village Underground – Hackney – recycled 1983 Jubilee line tube trains which sit on top of an abandoned railway viaduct. The trains now are artist studios, but retain so many original features of the tube stock.
Abbey Mills Pumping Station – Newham – An incredible former pumping station built between 1865 and 1868, which may yet come back into use!
Canary Wharf Crossrail Station Construction Site – Tower Hamlets – The construction site of the Canary Wharf Crosswell station. Has platforms and almost entirety of station popped into place – except for escalators.
Ironmonger Row Baths – Islington – Currently a ‘better’ leisure centre, these former public baths were built in 1931. The building is Grade II listed.
Caledonian Park Clock Tower – Islington – Formerly the centre-piece of the Metropolitan Cattle Market, this tower was built to oversee the market and serve as a landmark for cattle owners to drive their stock to. It was built in 1855, and the gorgeous clock inside still works.
St Pancras Chambers and Clock Tower – Camden – Built in the late 1800s to serve the passengers coming into St. Pancras station, this was the former Midland Grand Hotel.
55 Broadway (London Underground Head Office) – Westminster – Built in 1929, this has been the headquarters of London Underground ever since (although they are – reluctantly – moving soon.)