The unpredictability of Shunt Vaults starts from its location. Once you discover the hidden entrance on Joiner Street - beneath London Bridge Station, you will find yourself in a dark tunnel, which seems to have no end.
It almost feels like plunging into Vampires territory, with the recreation of its Victorian gothic style, original brick walls and puzzling crannies. Walking through the dimly light tunnel, you can smell the dampness, feel the cold and hear the dripping water.
Call for help? Sorry, we are underground. All phone signals are blocked.
Approaching the end of the tunnel, six bursts of light come in sight. Surprisingly, the lights are actual musical sounds that move with a wave our your hand. Waving your hands in front of the light, the music begins, and increases with the tempo of your hand.
Shunt Vaults holds different events and artistic performances every week. Old pianos, eclectic furniture, wooden crates and paintings are placed in nooks under the minimal spotlighting. Performers, wearing quirky dresses, take to the stage and sing languorous, ghostly music.
A surreal world
An aeroplane converted into a cinema dominates the centre of the underground tunnel, and once you put on your headphones, you can hear from nothing from outside, only see the muted movement of people’s lips.
You are totally isolated.
Contrasted with the thrilling and cold atmosphere, the sociality is much warmer. People sit around tables, chatting in the dark, enjoying the solace that only an underground nightclub can bring.
Standing under the lights, its like watching angels descend. A surreal world.
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Have your say - info@offbeatlondon.co.uk
The door is almost too small to be noticed. But through this little gateway lies an entirely unique, damp and eerie underground world called Shunt Vaults.
by Yinming Li
published on: 08 March, 2010
The hidden vaults of London
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