London may be full of stunning street art, but the reality is that a lot of it isn’t technically legal. While private businesses sometimes allow artists to create works of public art on the walls of their buildings, you can’t just rock up and paint wherever and whatever you want. But there is one spot in London where graffiti isn’t just allowed, it’s actively encouraged: the Leake Street Arches.
Tucked away underneath Waterloo station, this arched walkway is a feast for the eyes. Even if you’re not a fan of street art, it’s impossible not to be impressed with the pieces adoring every square centimetre of the tunnel. And you’re more than welcome to add your own art! In a list of rules (largely regarding what art isn’t permitted, and reminding people to refrain from anti-social behaviour), the very first rule is “Graffiti and street art are permitted, and actively encouraged, on the walls of the Leake Street Tunnel.”
Head down the Leake Street Arches and you’ll likely find talented artists creating impressive larger-than-life pieces. You might even find the Artist in Residence, Marc Craig, hard at work on a graffiti masterpiece. Much of his street art incorporates the now iconic ‘Max the Virus’ character – either by itself, or en masse to recreate iconic pieces of art, such as the Mona Lisa.
Image: @creativethinkin, via IG
Graffiti workshops
Fancy spraying some paint and working towards becoming the next Banksy? Leake Street Arches offers two-hour graffiti workshops, where participants will learn from Marc Craig himself. The workshops comprise a guide to using spray paint, a tour of the artwork in the arches, and the chance to create your own Graffiti Galaxy painting.
There’s no need to worry about getting paint on your clothes, either. The workshop provides participants with masks, overalls, and gloves. And anyone over the age of 12 can take part. (How’s that for an activity sure to excite even the most morose of teenagers?)
In the Leake Street Arches
There’s more to the Leake Street Arches than the street art. The site is also home to several venues, such as the Draughts board game cafe and Passyunk Avenue, the Philly-themed bar and eatery. (Top tip: the latter is home to what many agree are the best Philly Cheesesteaks outside of Philly itself.)
The Leake Street Arches also houses event spaces, which can be hired out for art exhibitions, parties, immersive experiences, and more.
Find out more about the Leake Street Arches here.
📍 You’ll find the Leake Sreet Arches on Leake Street between Station Approach Road and the A3200. The nearest station is Waterloo.