Westminster Bridge to Vauxhall Bridge

January 31, 2010 | Map

Not often do I have a reason to cross Vauxhall Bridge, yet this Grade II* listed bridge is quite impressive. Not just for its views: Battersea Powerstation on one side, the Palace of Westminster on the other, the SIS aka MI6 Building on the southern riverbank, which is actually in eastwards, Tate Britain on the northern, which is actually westwards. No, the secrets of this bridge can be viewed best by boat: in case you haven’t noticed, Vauxhall Bridge’s four piers have massive bronze statues on either side.

[simage=365,200,y,right]

The Vauxhall statues were designed by Frederick Pomeroy and Alfred Drury. Pomeroy’s statues on the south side represent Agriculture, Architecture, Engineering and Pottery, whereas Drury’s north side statues are Science, Fine Arts, Local Government and Education. Interesting mix, isn’t it? I wonder how (or if?) they decided on the themes for the statues. Anyways, lean over the railing on the south side, second pier from the north/west riverbank, make sure not to jump/fall, and suddenly you will see St Paul’s Cathedral in the hands of the Architecture statue. It’s a proper scale model, perhaps about 60cm long and very detailed, considering that it is bronze and has endured all weathers since 1907. London is full of wonders, tiny and tall.

[salbum=28,n,n]

Overall, this is an enjoyable walk and only a short stroll away from the tourist hotspots Westminster and London Eye. Not many tourists are venturing this far south, and most of them only flock to Tate Britain and back. Tate Britain was actually my own motivation for this walk, but at least I went the extra 250m.

View full post for a map tracing my route.

You may need to operate the zoom controls.