Here’s another Cab drivers’ shelter, which serves cab drivers, workers and visitors from its busy location at the North end of Hungerford Bridge.
This shelter is still very much in use. People queued at the window for their drinks and snacks.
I sketched it from the steps of Hungerford Bridge as people walked by.
This shelter was built in 1915, replacing an earlier shelter from 1882. It is listed Grade II, listing number 1462592. The listing entry is here.
The shelter is right next to Embankment Tube station, which is reached by walking under the bridge to the right of my drawing. The Playhouse Theatre is to the north of the shelter, in the background of my sketch.
The steps of Hungerford Bridge, though convenient, were metallic, and therefore cold. I warmed myself with a cup of tea from the shelter and tried to keep out of people’s way.
Oddly, hardly anyone noticed me. As is often the case, it was the small children who took an interest: “What is she drawing?” [I hold up the picture so the child can see it] “Oooh!” says the child, fascinated, looking up to compare my drawing with the view in front [Thinks: “Adults can draw too!”]. I hope I inspired at least one small person to keep drawing.
Also dogs took an interest, mostly in my tea.
My growing collection of sketches of Cab drivers’ shelters is here.
