War Scene: Tube Station

During the Second World War, underground stations were converted into air raid shelters to offer protection to civilians. Station platforms, like the one depicted here, were converted into makeshift shelters with bunk beds lining the walls.

In this drawing by Joseph Batò, people are shown sleeping in the beds and - due to overcrowding - on the platforms themselves. Here, the dual function of the underground is represented: as well as providing shelter, it continued to operate as a transport system and a woman is shown boarding a train.

The Hungarian artist Joseph Batò studied art in Paris under the French artist, Henri Matisse. During the late 1930s, Batò arrived in London, fleeing the Nazis. In 1942 his wartime drawings were published in 'Defiant City: drawings of bombed London'. After the war ended, Batò remained in the city and worked in the film industry.