M@London Underground 1967-99: Rare Photos Of Recent Tube Past
A new book captures key moments in the tube's history from the 60s to the 90s.
When we think of the history of London Underground, it's often of the first 50 years or so, when most of the lines were first scooped out or tunnelled. But, as a new book reveals, plenty of change was afoot during the second half of the 20th century.
London Underground 1967-99 by John Glover is a handsome collection of 180 photographs, taken by the author over three decades. Glover's lens captures the changes to rolling stock and station design, and the numerous experiments with livery and branding that were trialled over this period.
We witness the early days of the Victoria line, the withdrawal of services out into the Home Counties, the retirement of train guards, the gradual upgrading of rolling stock, and the coming of the Jubilee line extension.
Those who remember the period will find nostalgia-inducing details on every page. Those who are too young, or too new to London will find many surprises. Who knew that Moorgate was open to the elements until relatively recently, or that trains occasionally carried advertising along their whole length?
Photo books of the tube are common enough, but this one stands out from the crowd by capturing elements from the network's recent history that are often overlooked.