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Our first meeting point of the day: The Waterloo Clock, 'one of the most famous meeting places in London' From 15 Things to Do at Waterloo Station in London for the History Buff |
[By Nigel Gibson and Helen Hayhoe]
In March we draw Waterloo Station
Waterloo Station is a major rail and Underground station in London with services all across the South West of England, including Bournemouth, Exeter, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southampton and Winchester. There are multiple platforms, including what was once the Eurostar terminal.
The station has some interesting sculptures and commemorative plaques as well as views across the river, and is good for people watching.
The day is free of charge, no need to book, just turn up with your artist’s materials.
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Waterloo Station 14 January 2016
by Paulina Little
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Detail of the Waterloo Station map We are asked to sign in at station reception when we arrive. |
Key times and meeting points
Meeting points and local landmarks are shown on our location map at the end of this blog post.
11 AM
Meet underneath the Waterloo Clock in the main concourse – not the clock by the main entrance! It is sheltered from the weather and close to many amenities such as Costa for coffees / drinks and Marks & Spencer’s Food Hall for snacks and sandwiches.
1 PM
Meet again at the upper concourse (Balcony Level) at the end closest to the main entrance at Victory Arch. There are some benches there, and the area can be directly accessed via escalators. This location can be found at location B1 on the station map.
3.30 PM
Meet again (at the same place as for 1 PM) to view drawings and to take some group photographs.
Afterwards
For those who would like to linger after our final meeting of the day, join us at the bar in the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre across the street from Waterloo Station (see our location map).
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| Royal Festival Hall |
Options for drawing
- The Victory Arch was designed by J R Scott, the chief architect. Made of Portland stone and bronze, it depicts War and Peace, with Britannia holding the torch of liberty above. Leading from Station Approach onto the concourse, the Victory Arch forms the main entrance to Waterloo. Look up and see the colours of the glass roof. There's more at 15 things to do at Waterloo Station in London for the History Buff.
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London and South Western Railway Waterloo Station Sketch of Main Entrance [Victory Arch] 1921-22 by architect J R Scott |
- Graffiti tunnel There is a famous and constantly changing graffiti tunnel underneath Waterloo Station at Leake St.
- South Bank Arts Complex has a variety of concert halls, cafes and galleries. Their web site lists some of the attractions which are available, including a food market.
- Lower Marsh has a flea market on Saturdays and is a short stroll from Waterloo Station. Some information is available on Tripadvisor.
- The London Eye is nearby alongside the Thames.
History of Waterloo Station
Replacing the first terminus of the London & Southampton Railway at Nine Elms, Waterloo Station was opened in 1848 by the London & South Western Railway as part of extending the line two miles to be nearer the city. This original station, known as ‘central station’, had six platforms.
From its very earliest days the station was popular with race goers travelling to Epsom -- the original station opening in 1848 was brought forward a week to enable passengers to travel to the Derby by rail for the first time. In modern times Ascot Week sees thousands of passengers dressed up for a day at the races.
On a more sombre note, nearby there was the London Necropolis Railway station, which took coffins to Brookwood Cemetery. It was damaged by bombing during WWII and never rebuilt.
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For more information about the history of Waterloo Station there is an historical timelineon the Network Rail website and a recent book Waterloo Station: A History of London's Busiest Terminus by Robert Lordan (2021).
Waterloo Station in popular culture
Many films and TV series have used Waterloo Station as a backdrop, including The Constant Gardener (2005), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), Arabesque (1966), Howl (2015) and The 7.39 (2014).
There’s a book of poetry, A Ghost in Waterloo Station by Bert Almon (2007), and of course the classic song 'Waterloo Sunset' by The Kinks, with the lyrics: 'As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset I am in paradise'.
There is a map of the whole of Waterloo Station.
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| Looking up at Waterloo: The glass station roof alight in winter sun Sketch by Helen Hayhoe |
Safety and security guidelines
The relevant guidelines at Waterloo Station are mostly common sense:
- remain in public areas
- don’t choose a position where you’re going to be in anybody’s way (e.g. close to entrances and escalators)
- stay behind the yellow line if you’re going onto the platforms
- don’t overhang the balcony balustrade, and
- don’t leave any items unattended.
Please check the guidelines recommended by Network Rail which apply of course to artists and sketchers as well as the general public.
Practical information
Waterloo Station is a major transport hub serviced by trains, buses and the Underground including Jubilee, Northern, District and Circle Lines. You can also travel by bike.
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| Photo by Nigel Gibson |
Driving is not recommended unless you are confident on London roads and have a parking location planned.
Toilets at the station are free and generally well maintained.
COVID-19 visit information
Since COVID-19 and its variants remain even though restrictions have been lifted, it's sensible to take all necessary precautions to keep ourselves and fellow sketchers safe throughout the event. The risk of infection for outdoor events is low, but basic guidance still applies:
- please do not attend if you feel unwell
- respect those who choose to wear a mask
- give people space, and
- practice good hand hygiene.
There is also the option of self-testing before the event.
See you at Waterloo Station!
The day is run by Nigel Gibson and Helen Hayhoe.
Location map
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