A new exhibition in the crypt of St John's Waterloo remembers 'Cardboard City' a well-known feature of the Waterloo area in the 80s and 90s.
Today, most people know it as the 'IMAX roundabout'. In the late 20th century, however, this was the Bullring — a featureless junction above ground but home to a whole community in the subways below.
The so-called Cardboard City that grew up here is the subject of a new exhibition in the adjacent church of St John's Waterloo. The exhibition is itself underground, within the crypt of the church.
Up to 200 people at a time sought shelter in the Waterloo underpasses from the mid-80s until the refuge was cleared away in 1998. Now, 'The spirit of the Bullring lives on...' explores the memories and stories of this community through photography, art and personal accounts.
St John's church was right at the heart of that community. It accommodated the North Lambeth Day Centre, which provided essential daytime support for those seeking refuge in the tunnels. Now, the church has won an Everyday Heritage grant from Historic England, to bring the Bullring's story back to the fore.
This is an important exhibition, perpetuating the stories of a London community whose very existence is slipping from public consciousness. Many younger Londoners will have no idea it was ever here at all.
The exhibition is largely put together by those who lived in the Bullring, and mixes personal accounts with the photography of
As redevelopment continues to reshape the area, the exhibition aims to "bring together stories of love, solidarity, and resilience while also confronting the challenges of
The spirit of the Bullring lives on... runs at St John's Waterloo from 18 February-2 March 2025. Entrance is free.
