A pretty historic station (Picture: Getty)
Admit it, when you’re on the tube in rush hour, you’re glued to your phone, barely looking up.
But it turns out you could be missing out on some incredible architecture.
While East London’s Gants Hill might not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for impressive design, it’s actually steeped in history and was influenced by a Metro station in Moscow.
Work began on the Ilford Underground Station, which is on the Central Line, back in the 1930s, underneath Gants Hill roundabout.
In 1935, London Transport officials went to Moscow after developing close links with Soviet authorities who had visited London to see Piccadilly Circus.
Parts of Gants Hill – namely the design of the 150ft long concourse area – is said to be influenced by the Mayakovskaya Moscow Metro station.
The station was designed by architect Charles Holden (Picture: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Commuters and architecture buffs have been drawing comparisons between theRussian Metro station and Gants Hill, which is illuminated by square Art Deco roof lights.
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It was also used as an air raid shelter during World War II.
Some are even calling the station to be recognised as a Grade II listed building.
‘Gants Hill has amazing interior architecture,’ one reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor.’Definitely, a place to visit if you’re into building structures and design.’
Another said the station was reminiscent of history, saying: ‘I don’t use the station very much anymore but I always really going down there from time to time, it reminds me of going back in time.
‘It’s a beautiful, clean space,’ wrote another. ‘Appreciate the design of this well kept station.’
Might be worth checking out if you haven’t already.
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‘Definitely, a place to visit if you’re into building structures and design.’