Hidden London: Discovering the Forgotten Underground, Hardcover

An exploration of the abandoned tributaries of London's vast and vital transportation network through breathtaking images and unexpected stories

Hidden London is a lavishly illustrated history of disused and repurposed London Underground spaces. It provides the first narrative of a previously secret and barely understood aspect of London's history. Behind locked doors and lost entrances lies a secret world of abandoned stations, redundant passageways, empty elevator shafts, and cavernous ventilation ducts. The Tube is an ever-expanding network that has left in its wake hidden places and spaces. Hidden London opens up the lost worlds of London's Underground and offers a fascinating analysis of why Underground spaces--including the deep-level shelter at Clapham South, the closed Aldwych station, the lost tunnels of Euston--have fallen into disuse and how they have been repurposed. With access to previously unseen archives, architectural drawings, and images, the authors create an authoritative account of London's hidden Underground story. This surprising and at times myth-breaking narrative interweaves spectacular, newly commissioned photography of disused stations and Underground structures today.

David Bownes was formerly head of collections at the London Transport Museum and assistant director (collections) at the National Army Museum. Chris Nix is assistant director (collections and engagement) at the London Transport Museum. Siddy Holloway is engagement manager for Hidden London. Sam Mullins is director of the London Transport Museum.