Page 161 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

tier restrictions). A number of digital initiatives will form part of the programme,
including a second collaboration with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama,
where student composers are creating new music inspired by the bridges and the
artwork, which will be free to download.

Villareal’s vision is to create a unified series of evocative lighting installations across
the bridges, reflecting their cultural and historical contexts. His approach draws on
the spirit of Impressionist and English Romantic artists such as Monet and Whistler,
who when painting London’s river and its bridges worked, as Villareal often does, ‘en
plein air’.

A gentle combination of rosy colours will extend across the arches of Blackfriars
Road Bridge, citing the warm-hued remaining columns of the now removed old
railway bridge. Waterloo Bridge, the longest bridge in central London, will be
enhanced by a simple line of light, introducing pastel washes of colour to illuminate
its central spine.

Across the Golden Jubilee Footbridges, a monochromatic scheme will complement
the walkways designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands in 2002, mirroring
Villareal’s approach to the other pedestrian bridge in the artwork – Millennium
(illuminated July 2019). Westminster and Lambeth Bridges bookend the UNESCO
World Heritage Site of the Palace of Westminster. Westminster Bridge’s latticework
undercrofts will be illuminated in soft green tones referencing the benches of the
debating chamber of the House of Commons.

Similarly, the red glow to adorn Lambeth Bridge is a nod to the benches of the
House of Lords’ chamber, and mirrors the red accents of the bridge’s railings and
arches. The first four Illuminated River bridges – London, Cannon Street, Southwark
and Millennium – made their debut in 2019 accompanied by a wide programme of
engagement.

The project was granted UNESCO patronage for its contribution to culture, science,
architecture and heritage. Since their launch, the four bridges have been creating an
evocative display every evening from dusk until 2.00am. Throughout 2021 the
Illuminated River Foundation will continue, through its Community Fund and other
partnerships, to work closely with local authorities, communities and business groups
to support the embedding of the artwork and to create an ongoing programme of
events.

In 2020, the Foundation successfully collaborated with Coin Street Community
Builders on initiatives including virtual art workshops and the delivery of Christmas
care packages to local people, with the help of FM Conway and their E-cargo bikes,
used during the installation of the artwork. The Foundation has also organised free
walking tours especially for NHS workers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ – a programme
that will be expanded for other key workers as distancing restrictions are lifted.