Designed by London-based artist, Yinka Ilori as part of London Design Festival and supported by Bloomberg, 11 pedestrian crossings on Tottenham Court Road and six pedestrian crossings in the City of London, as well as Queen Street pedestrian plaza, have been reimagined with playful designs of bright colours and forms.
The Bring London Together project is part of Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s Let’s Do London autumn season, and is designed to draw Londoners and visitors to central London to support the capital’s creative, retail and hospitality sectors which have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
It is a major, world class comm-ission by artist, Yinka Ilori in partnership with the Mayor of London and Bloomberg Philanthropies, City of London, London Borough of Camden and London Design Festival.
The project involves a collaboration with art students from the University of the Arts London and offers the chance for the local community to help paint the Queen Street pedestrian area. The crossings will remain in place until next summer. As the UK prepared to host the United Nation’s meeting on Climate Action, COP26, this project was one of several installations in international cities supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative to encourage more sustainable transportation and transform and revitalise public spaces through the power of art.
These eye-catching crossings are a fantastic addition to the capital’s streets and are sure to become a major talking point for Londoners.”
This autumn saw the return of much anticipated global festivals and events, including London Film Festival, London Fashion Week, Frieze London, the London Design Festival and a series of exciting events during Black History Month.
Sadiq Khan said:
London is the culture capital of the world, and Yinka’s bright and bold pedestrian crossings represent our city beautifully. They show off our vibrant creative spirit and are the perfect way to launch the Autumn season of my Let’s Do London campaign. There are so many great festivals, events and activities taking place in the capital, we are ready to welcome and entertain visitors from across the UK and around the world.
Yinka Ilori, said:
I am incredibly excited to be part of this Landmark Project in London as part of London Design Festival and the Let’s Do London initiative. At a time when we all need light and joy, I hope my installation brings people together to create joyful and harmonious moments that live in their hearts forever.”
Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomberg LP, Jemma Read said:
London’s diverse, creative communities make our city unique and have an essential role to play in its economic recovery. We’re proud to build on our collaboration with the Mayor of London to bring Londoners back together and breathe new life into our streets by supporting Yinka’s ambitious vision.”
Ben Evans CBE, London Design Festival Director, said:
This is the joy the city needs after the past year, and what better way to see London reopen but have one of the capital’s most exciting talents, Yinka Ilori, paint one of London’s most iconic streets with his eye-catching and positive graphic style. This Landmark Project for London Design Festival 2021 and the Let’s Do London campaign is sure to uplift the public and bring us all together once again.”
Cllr Adam Harrison, London Borough of Camden, said:
As we continue to welcome visitors back to Camden and celebrate local high streets this autumn, we are pleased to host this vibrant artwork for the local community and visitors to enjoy. Following the West End Project the beautifully rejuvenated Whitfield Gardens and new widened pavements mean that Tottenham Court Road is a fantastic place to visit for celebrations like this which really show the best of this neighbourhood.”
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, Wendy Hyde, said:
These eye-catching crossings are a fantastic addition to the capital’s streets and are sure to become a major talking point for Londoners. Culture is at the forefront of London’s economic recovery from the pandemic and Asphalt Art is bringing a real buzz back to the City.”
Find out more at www.londonandpartners.com