We drew Waterloo Station - Saturday 12 March 2022

Sketchbooks aloft at Waterloo Station

On 12 March a bumper crowd gathered under the clock at Waterloo Station, ready for the start of the March sketchcrawl. 

Urban sketchers are not known for bureaucracy, but we were happy to follow the few rules set by station staff. Sketchers were invited to let us know if they wished to attend, and we had a list of names ready to tick off. It was actually great to find out the names of people we had seen sketching over the years, interesting to know we had some iconic folk among us, and cheery to greet new people.

View from on high
Sketch by Debby Au

These first few post-lockdown events are poignant: people share big stories about the last two years. Among us were people venturing out for the first time, and others experiencing great loss. As ever, the positivity of the group was warming. We think that about 70 people were with us over the day, some from far afield. It’s good to see travellers back with us.

Mike Whally sketching on the balcony
Photo by Helen Hayhoe

The station offered great variety and challenge – the architecture, the crowds and the surprising commemorative carvings offered rich material to sketch. The exterior of the building and the surrounding streets were equally attractive.

Victory Arch at Waterloo Station
Sketch by Paul Gadenne

The day was mostly peaceful; rugby fans on the way to Twickenham provided cheer, and the ever-changing mass of people were safely observed from the balcony. We were glad when an unattended bag was claimed just as the area was being cleared by zealous staff (the owner was right there). Sunshine made for intermittent colour play in the translucent roof, and those sketching outside stayed just on the right side of chilly. 

A carved stone cherub
Sketch by Helen Hayhoe

Each of the two throwdowns revealed a range of sketches, from full paintings to an evocative line. There is always a frisson of wishful thinking as we admire each others’ perception and technique. But in the end we celebrate the diversity and the joy in sketching together. We were pleased to have the opportunity of sketching at Waterloo. 

Waiting at the new platforms
Sketch by Sasala Wickramasinghe

Our next sketchcrawl will be on Saturday 23 April at St James Park and surrounds. Do sign up to the blog to receive emails about all our events. 

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Draw London with us in April, May and June!

We'll be sketching in St James's Park, Camden and Twickenham in the coming months. Find out more at Let's draw London in 2022.

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We drew Waterloo Station - Saturday 12 March 2022