Beech Street Tunnel

Photograph of the tunnel on Beech Street, London

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Photo details

Location: Beech Street tunnel, Barbican, London

Camera: Nikon D810

Lens: Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8

The story behind Beech Street Tunnel

The Beech Street tunnel is usually a fume-filled nightmare of snarled-up traffic. If you wait a while, though, you might be lucky enough to get a clear view straight down the middle. This shot was taken looking towards Aldersgate Street and Barbican tube station. I think it’s a better perspective than the other direction.

The tunnel is dark and the lights are always on. That results in strong leading lines that converge in the distance. You can see a similar effect in my shot of the Adams Plaza Bridge in Canary Wharf.

Towards the end of the tunnel, on the left side of this photograph, is a gap in the wall which gives a really nicely framed view of the Barbican. The Barbican is one of the best places in London to photograph if you’re into brutalist architecture. It’s only really matched by the South Bank complex.