Page 185 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

Spanning from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, the Illuminated River artworks were created
by internationally acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, with award-winning architectural practice
Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. With a minimum lifespan of ten years, it is estimated that up to
90 million people a year will see the artworks in situ along the River Thames.

The Illuminated River Foundation has also commissioned new music uniquely inspired by the
artwork, the Thames and its bridges, from students at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. In
this second iteration of the collaboration, dozens of original music compositions, each focusing
on a specific bridge, have been created to celebrate the artwork, as well as the social history
behind the structures. These will be shared in a series of releases over the coming weeks.

For example the arrangement ‘Still We Move’ by Lillian Chan, for example, explores the under-
recognised contribution of the largely female workforce responsible for completing Waterloo
Bridge, also known as ‘The Ladies Bridge’ during WWII. Alluding to the sentiment in Maya
Angelou’s 1978 poem, ‘Still I Rise’, Chan’s commission layers female vocals with strings to
emphasise a message of solidarity among women.

Free audio guides created with City of London Guides also delve deeper into the rich history of
each bridge, highlighting key sites of interest along both the north and south banks of the river,
and elucidating Villareal’s artistic vision.

Meanwhile, a calendar of guided tours of the Illuminated River artwork is planned throughout
the coming months, with some events reserved especially for key workers. The 90-minute tours,
available to book online for groups of up to six, take place on Tuesdays (for Blackfriars to
Lambeth Bridge) and Fridays (from London to Millennium Bridge) and comprise a gentle evening
stroll along the river accompanied by an informative professional guide.

Sarah Gaventa, Director of the Illuminated River Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be
developing this programme of engagement to celebrate the completion of the next five bridges
in the Illuminated River artwork.

“This launch marks the culmination of five years’ work by the Foundation, and we’re very excited
to finally share it with the public. Through various collaborations with some incredible partners,
we are offering a stimulating, educational and accessible calendar of activities and resources for
all to enjoy.”

www.illuminatedriver.london