Liverpool Street Station Rooftop Reflection
For the Love of Trains
Railways have always held a fascination for me. Growing up close enough to a branch line, I’d hear the distant rattle of wheels on passing trains on summer days. Not close enough for it to be a nuisance, as it was in our first flat together when we got married. We quickly learnt to space out the glasses, cups, etc, in the cupboards, so that they didn’t rattle when heavy goods trains rattled through during the night.
More of the abstract celebration of the architecture, rather than a snapshot of London life, Liverpool Street Station roof takes over the entire painting. A limited colour palette of blues, browns and black, with a hint of red, yellow and green in places, but the T section of the roof spreads its arms overhead. The roof’s structure diminishes the observer.
The Art of the Railway
Railway architecture is an art form of its own. A combination of functionality and decoration. Simple and complex design both appeal to me.
- Simple design has a refined elegance and must be right. Look at cartoons like Peanuts or The Simpsons, especially comparing very early episodes to later ones.
- Complex design is intriguing, often decorative but it can be overwhelming. It astounds with complexity and can cover a myriad of mistakes.
Liverpool Street Station is a familiar name to anyone who grew up with the London version of monopoly. I’ll admit to a fascination to find and visit them all. I used to love monopoly, or rather the idea of it, the inevitable frustrations usually led to a desire to finish well before the game was technically finished. I think that’s a universal experience from my discussions with friends.
The Promise of Adventure
With architecture this grand, it’s hard not to feel small and insignificant. Stations are part of the daily commute for many. As such, they can be taken for granted. To me, stations mean a grand journey. We tended to travel by car and or bus when I was growing up, trains were reserved for day trips to Blackpool or Altrincham Ice rink. They were where adventures began. And I still get that feeling today, even in an age of the aeroplane, trains are an exciting way to travel. As long As they aren’t overcrowded, that is but that’s another story.
Where was your last Railway Station Adventure?
