London Underground stations ‘listed’

A number of London Underground stations have been listed at Grade ll by Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose.

This status indicates that the stations have historic and architectural significance, illustrating the development of the capital’s Underground system  according to English Heritage who advised the minister.

Of the 16 new entries on the register are a number designed by Leslie Green. His use of ‘ox-blood’ red tile facades pioneered the use of a strong and consistent corporate image which is now recognised around the world.

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage said: “The London Underground not only set the standard for progressive transport systems, but has displayed a remarkable commitment to quality and consistency of design.

The stations given Grade II status are:

• Aldwych
• Belsize Park
• Brent Cross
• Caledonian Road
• Chalk Farm
• Chesham
• Covent Garden
• Hendon Central
• Oxford Circus – originally two separate stations (on  the north-west corner of Argyll St and Oxford Street, and the north-east corner of Argyll St and Oxford Street including the office above),
• Perivale
• Redbridge
• Russell Square
• St John’s Wood
• West Acton
• Wood Green

Three other stations – Arnos Grove, Oakwood, and Sudbury Town – have been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*.

These stations were designed by the distinguished modernist architect Charles Holden, for the Piccadilly Line extension in the 1930s.

[pullquote]Millions of people pass through London’s Underground system every day, with little thought for the historic design and architectural features that are right under their nose as they hurry underground to catch their trains
John Penrose -Tourism and Heritage Minister [/pullquote]

“From the distinctive and instantly recognisable glazed red façades of the early 20th century stations such as Belsize Park and Russell Square, to the Modernist designs embodied in Arnos Grove and Sudbury Town, we have been left an amazing architectural inheritance. It is absolutely right that these stations be afforded the recognition and protection provided by listing.”

Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose said:  “Millions of people pass through London’s Underground system every day, with little thought for the historic design and architectural features that are right under their nose as they hurry underground to catch their trains. Tube stations are great examples of the capital’s hidden heritage. It’s testament to the forward thinking and creativity of the design of Leslie Green and Charles Tyson Yerkes who created the original Underground Electric Railways that the brand and image of the red facades remain iconic. “