by Nick Cooper © 2010
EXTENDING THE PICCADILLY LINE, c. 1931
Below is a set of six original 4¼" x 3¼" prints of photographs taken during the construction of the extension of the Piccadilly line from the original terminus to Finsbury Park to Southgate, circa 1931. They are annotated on the back in pencil, presumably by whoever took them, who it seems was involved in the work, rather than being a professional photographer.
With thanks to my wife, Claire, for finding these.
"Tennis Courts Site [Finsbury Park]
South Bound South Drive Hand tunnel - building 2 rings of 12' iron. Tunnel has just touched the old S.B. backshunt on the right; the old iron is removed from this point onwards as necessary."
"Tennis Cts Site
View for novelty looking South. Northbound tunnel with permanent way more or less complete."
"Manor Gate Site [sic]
South Bound, South Drive 12' shield. Typical view showing 'mucking' in progress."
"Turnpike Lane Low/N [?]
General ciew of 23'-2½" shield building S.B. station ground. (Snapshot)"
"Turnpike Lane Site
Erecting a ring of 23'-2½" diam. iron in South Bound station ground. (Snapshot)"
"Piccadilly Tube, Southgate Extension
Tunnel portals (Tewkesbury Terrace Site) at Maidstone Rd, Nr Southgate."
