Page 157 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

The spectacular design for Blackfriars Bridge

Mr Villareal’s design for the Illuminated River project survived the challenge of Covid and
gives Londoners the chance to enjoy a free open air spectacle, creating a 3.2mile long
artwork.

He hopes that it will cheer people up during the pandemic and beyond.

Key facts about the project:

• The length of the complete artwork as of this spring will be 3.2 miles

• There have been over 400 beneficiaries of fundraising from the Illuminated River

Community Fund including 120 school children.

• The Illuminated River Foundation has run 20 boat tours from 29 August 2019 to

March 14 2020. 1650 people have attended.

• The Illuminated River Foundation has run 45 walking tours from 23 August 2019

to December 8 2020. More than 700 people have attended.

• The Illuminated River Foundation has engaged with more than 50 community

groups.

Lord Mendoza who chairs the Illuminated River Foundation, said: “As we complete this
chapter of the artwork, we hope the public will enjoy this amazing installation, and we will
keep working to continue its legacy. We hope that Illuminated River can act as a ray of light,
pointing towards a hopeful future for the UK’s arts and culture sector.”
A gentle combination of rosy colours will extend across the arches of Blackfriars Road
Bridge, whilst Waterloo Bridge, the longest in central London, will be lit by a simple line of
light. Westminster Bridge will be lit up with soft green tones, as a nod to the benches of the
debating chamber of the House of Commons.