London’s Rail Art: Waterloo Station Sound Installation Sparks Introspection

Art on the Rails: New Sound Installation Explores London’s Hidden Depths at Waterloo Station

Commuters at London’s Waterloo Underground station are now privy to a unique auditory experience, a 10-minute sound installation titled “Go Find Miracles.” The art piece is a collaboration between artist Rory Pilgrim, the Mayor of London’s Culture and Community Spaces at Risk program (CCSaR), the Feminist Library in Peckham, and the Prison Choir Project. This evocative work, blending music and spoken word, began playing this week on the moving walkway connecting the Jubilee and Northern lines, and will run weekdays between 10:00 and 17:00 until Friday, July 25th. “Go Find Miracles” delves into themes of repair, possibility, and the complex relationship between London and the Isle of Portland, prompting listeners to consider the unseen forces shaping our urban landscape. The installation’s creation involved recording in an underground quarry and on a disused Jubilee line platform, adding to the piece’s unique character.

The Portland Connection: Stone, Prisons, and Artistic Exploration

At the heart of “Go Find Miracles” lies the Isle of Portland in Dorset, a site deeply interwoven with London’s identity. The iconic Portland stone, quarried from the island, has been used to build numerous landmark buildings, including Transport for London’s (TfL) historic headquarters at 55 Broadway and, crucially, Waterloo station itself. However, Portland also houses two prisons and was formerly the location of a prison barge, with many inmates historically employed in the island’s quarries. Pilgrim’s work explores these dual facets of Portland, connecting the physical construction of London with the often-overlooked social and legal landscapes shaping lives, including the impact of the legal system. The sound installation builds on Pilgrim’s existing work in the region, reflecting on themes of community and environment. A prayer of call and response between London and Portland is at the center of the soundscape.

A Symphony of Voices: Composition and Production

The sonic tapestry of “Go Find Miracles” is woven with spoken reflections and poetry from Carina Murray and Holly Upton, layered with music composed by Pilgrim. Soloist Robyn Haddon, an alumnus of the Prison Choir Project, and a larger choir further enrich the soundscape. The lyrics and melodies were partly developed in collaboration with individuals from HMP/YOI Portland, adding a deeply personal and reflective dimension to the artwork. The artist’s intent is to explore the possibility of transformation, and to stimulate thought around social change.

Art on the Underground’s Mission: Community, Collaboration, and Cultural Impact

This sound installation is part of Art on the Underground’s commitment to fostering collaborative, community-focused art. Developed in partnership with the CCSaR program, this initiative aims to support organizations that face challenges in maintaining their presence in London and to share their work with the broader public. This commissioning model mirrors similar efforts by other public transport authorities around the world to enhance the passenger experience. Last year, the program featured a sound artwork by Joe Namy at Waterloo, and this year’s commission continues this trend of engaging the public with thought-provoking art in unexpected locations.

Celebrating 25 Years of Art on the Underground: A Legacy of Innovation

Art on the Underground is celebrating its 25th anniversary, a milestone commemorating a quarter-century of commissioning site-specific artworks across the city. From the kinetic sculpture at Battersea Power Station Underground station to Mark Wallinger’s “Labyrinth” across the network, the initiative continues to showcase a diverse range of contemporary art, enriching the daily commute for millions. This year’s map by Agnes Denes continues a tradition of creative map production, while upcoming installations at Stratford and Brixton stations highlight the program’s ongoing commitment to commissioning diverse artists and engaging with the evolving urban landscape. The initiative offers a unique platform for artists to explore themes relevant to contemporary society.

Conclusion

“Go Find Miracles” represents a compelling addition to London’s public art landscape. By seamlessly integrating art into the daily commute, the piece sparks curiosity, provoking introspection and prompting a reconsideration of the spaces we inhabit. The utilization of a moving walkway highlights an innovative deployment strategy. This latest installment in Art on the Underground’s program further cements its reputation for bringing thought-provoking and accessible contemporary art to a vast audience. The project’s collaborative nature, bringing together artistic and community partners, showcases a powerful model for fostering social change through art. This creative approach allows public transportation to become a vehicle for storytelling, social engagement, and cultural enrichment. The program offers both a unique user experience and fosters a sense of community around the city’s public transit system.