Page 166 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

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.

“Despite the many obstacles we faced in 2020 as a country, as an
industry, and as a project, we’re delighted to announce that we’re on
track to deliver this monumental cultural experience for London. 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.” Lord
Mendoza, Chair of the Illuminated River Foundation