M&J - The London Underground

One idea that had sparked into mind when looking into maps and journeys was dissemination of the London Underground spread through a documentary style video. I know this would be a great film to work on because there is history behind the London underground, and the fact that there is over 255miles (408km) of trackway built. Some in use, some left abandoned. I want to explore the history of both as they are what makes the underground what it is today.

I mostly got inspired when I found a website with details of the abandoned underground stations

http://underground-history.co.uk/front.php

If I can get access to some of the abandoned stations, maybe a front row view within the drivers pit, some interviews with the London underground team and passengers. I could document the memories and history through a documentary that would fit the concept of psychogeography, and a interpretation of journeys.

Current London Underground Map

1930 London Underground Map

The above two maps are two very different underground maps. One which was one of the first London unground maps to be released. The other is the current London underground map. Within the old map actually feature some of the old closed down, abandoned stations which the current map doesn't feature. 

Down Street featured on the first London Underground map between Hyde Park Corner and Green Park.

Down Street was one of the earliest stations that was closed down. Seven years later after the stations closure. The station had a pivotal use during the Second World War. A important war committee took place on several occasions here with The railway executive committee, Winston Churchill and his cabinet. 

No Down Street featured in the current map. 

This is just some of the history behind the London underground. As there is so much to document, and being in a city in which I grew up in as well as used on a regular basis. This would be a good dissemination of psychogeography, heritage, memories and journeys all interpreted through documentary.