Colours and brilliance galore, that's Wonderpass! The once bland and shabby walkway has become an oasis for those with a lust for life in the heart of the city. It’s absolutely beautiful to behold!
Since its renovation in 2016, Wonderpass has stolen the hearts of many pedestrians, and won’t give them back, as they splendour in one of their favorite walk-through spots. This underpass, connecting Baker Street Station to South Marylebone Road, has experienced a significant transformation from the reality of numerous questionable smelly puddles, poor lighting and gloomy grey concrete suburbia. Now, remarkable structural and aesthetic delights have taken over the entire walkway. Fresh, brilliant lighting installations have breathed invigorating life into the pathway once again. And not only these, but the stairwells, floor, and handrails have also been refurbished and are a delight to touch. The wall paintings are so attractive and rich with historical wealth. Notable also is the fact that the artworks are easy to clean and maintain and vandal free.
Wonderpass is now a walkway wonderland, clearly proof that community collaboration is a powerful force. This walkway came about due to people's inspiring outlook and funding from TfL and Westminster City Council ward councilors. The work was completed by Sing London, while the artworks on the concrete walls were designed by key art brands in the area, such as Wallace Collection, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and Madame Tussauds to name but a few.
Essentially, the underground railway prides itself as a vibrant cultural crossing, celebrating the area's heritage as a cherished hub of attraction. Based on the rich history of Baker Street (lest we forget the greatest detective in the world) and the Marylebone area, it is only right that the memory of the prime times of these streets is preserved. Here’s a fun fact, the world’s first tube line (The Metropolitan Line) ran from Baker Street in 1863. And the Wonderpass is a public exhibition of the Victorian period's historical themes that make pedestrians travel back in time as they walk through the short yet timeless passage.
Every inch of the underground passage was recreated to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the people in that area. There are facts inscribed on the walls recounting the history of the place for commuters and tourists to read as they pass through the walkway. While the underlying railway pass is intended to be an alternative to the busy road above, it also serves as an iconic representation of the area's cultural attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Wallace Collection. These are among the five cabinets of the Wonderpass and its mural gallery and encyclopedia.
If you are ever in London, don’t you very dare fail to take a stroll through this iconic London landmark, a wonderful place to visit alone or with your loved ones. The delight you’ll experience is more than my words can say.
Comments