With all of us eager to explore a little bit more of London as restrictions ease, St. Pancras International has a plethora of attractions for art-lovers to enjoy this Spring – the perfect way to enjoy some culture in the city both safely and on a budget. A unique Grade I listed building, the station is the ideal place to discover London’s artistic history.
Enjoy a selection of world-class artwork at the station celebrating the station history from a selection of iconic British artists – from Tracey Emin to poet John Betjeman. Host to number of new and exciting arts and music experiences, there’s always something new to discover at the station – even in lockdown! For a great starting place for your daily walk, begin your journey at the Grand Terrace…
I Want My Time With You
In 2018 the station unveiled a major installation commissioned by artist Tracey Emin, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts. Depicting the words, ‘I Want My Time With You’ in Emin’s signature handwriting, the light installation is suspended above the Grand Terrace beneath the DENT London clock, and is the largest text piece ever made by the artist.
The Meeting Place
Standing at 9m tall, this bronze statue of a couple's embrace is situated pride of place on the station’s Grand Terrace. Created by the world renowned sculptor Paul Day, it is often referred to as 'The Lovers statue', greeting guests as they step off the Eurostar. Aimed to reflect the romance of train travel with two lovers meeting under the station’s clock, the statue is instantly recognisable from the other end of the station, looking back towards the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The base of the station also encompasses a frieze depicting scenes inspired by the history of railways, from the London Underground to soldiers going to war on troop trains.
Sir John Betjeman Statue
In tribute to the famous poet and railway enthusiast who campaigned to save the station from demolition in the 1960s, a sculpture of Sir John Betjeman stands gazing at the station’s roof. The 8.5 ft statue was designed by famed sculptor Martin Jennings echoing the poets work in the station, with his coat-tails created to emulate the station’s train shed roof.
War Memorial
On both its 150th anniversary and the centenary of the end of World War I, the station unveiled a permanent war memorial created by artist and writer Fabian Peake, reflecting on the lives of those who fought and died serving in the armed forces as well as civilians. The memorial is situated on the station’s Grand Terrace, close to the location of bomb damage from two prominent air raids on the station in 1918 and 1941 - the first of which claimed the greatest number of casualties suffered in any air raid on a London station during the First World War. Inspired by the men and women who worked at St. Pancras, the 4-metre tall memorial includes a series of job titles that represent those who left their work to fight and die for their country. Since its installation in 2018, the artwork has been used to mark the location of the annual Armistice memorial held at the station on 11th November.