There are things of beauty in our neighbourhood that are so familiar to us that we are immune to their charms. But if they are presented from a different perspective, this can rescue their appeal from oblivion.
West Hampstead Art Deco Tube
Originally uploaded by JamesB.
There are many things to like about West Hampstead Tube station. It's not on the Northern Line. It gives us a fast and reliable connection to the West End - although this was a more compelling attraction when the Jubilee Line used to call at Charing Cross.
Stationery
Originally uploaded by Monkey Magic.
But these pictures also remind us that our humdrum local Tube station is something to admire in and of itself. The station exemplifies the commitment to design which went into the Underground in the years when a public service ethos still meant something. It might not have been like this - look at the Thameslink station, the commuter train stations of south London or the DLR.
That commitment to design which looked good and served well the needs of Londoners was briefly resuscitated for some of the spectacular new stations a little further down the Jubilee Line - so perhaps we're unusually blessed. But it's largely abandoned now.
Next time you're waiting for a train, turn away from the track and savour the legacy.
See also:
London Station
More things to like about West Hampstead:
