London news and event reviews

The splendour of the East arrives at the Queen’s Gallery

Two very different exhibitions, both celebrating the splendours of the Indian subcontinent — from Mughal paintings, to jewellery and elaborate weaponry — both at The Queen’s Gallery.

Unbuilt London: The Southwark Railway Terminus

A scheme once proposed replacing five railway stations in central London with one giant terminus in Southwark.

Competition to design a railway footbridge

Network Rail has opened a competition to design a new footbridge that can be used to improve accessibility at stations and level crossings.

London’s weekly railway news #258

A weekly round-up of London’s rail transport news…

When a WW2 tunnel full of salads meets modern art

What happens when an abandoned WW2 under Clapham is used to grow salads, and then gives over some of the space to modern art?

Thames Tideway’s tunnel boring machines lowered 53 metres into the ground

The first of the giant tunnel boring machines that will dig the “super sewer” underneath the Thames has been lowered into position, some 53 metres below ground.

Tickets Alert: Steam boat trips on the Thames

Next month will offer a chance to take a trip down the Thames in a steam powered tug. The steam tug Portwey is one of only two twin screw, coal fired steam tugs now active, and is based in Docklands.

New fleet of London Overground trains shown off

The first of a fleet of new trains for the London Overground and TfL Rail routes has been shown off, with USB charging points and a brand new seat moquette.

London’s Pocket Parks: Christchurch Greyfriars Garden, EC1

This, as so many of the City of London gardens is the site of former religious worship, but unlike most other gardens, this isn’t the graveyard, but the remains of the church itself.

A Brit lost in a haze of American landscapes – Thomas Cole at the National Gallery

The National Gallery has given over space to a British born artist, who is best known for his sweeping, somewhat chocolate box landscapes of rural America.

Making posh Grosvenor Square more welcoming to visitors

Following the recent departure of the US Embassy, plans are afoot to revamp the neighbouring Grosvenor Square now that the security paranoia has moved away.

New Bank tube station entrance in final stages ahead of opening

The exceptionally delayed new entrance to Bank tube station looks increasingly close to be opened at last.

Tickets Alert: Climb the 200 foot high Victorian tower at Kew Bridge

There’s a tall brick tower that dominates the area next to the Thames at Kew Bridge, and later this month is a rare chance to climb it.

Crossrail ventilation shaft crowned in purple wildflowers

A ventilation and access shaft for the Elizabeth line at Canning Town has been covered in purple wildflowers, supplied by the same firm that laid out the wildflower meadows for the London 2012 Olympics.