The UK’s largest outdoor free to explore public art collection has welcomed a new addition by London-based visual artist, Lydia Hamblet. The 15-metre mural entitled Together, Basking on the South Quay, will add vivid colour to Canary Wharf’s South Quay and is open to visitors from today.
The new hand-painted public art piece, which overlooks Canary Wharf’s impressive architecture and docks, is a testament to the power of art in transforming urban spaces and bringing communities together. As a Royal College of Art graduate and recipient of the Clifford Chance Purchase Prize, the mural is true to Hamblet’s expressive, abstracted style. The large-scale work generates an immense sense of movement as the viewer walks alongside it. Borrowing the very popular, and very British theme of weather, the mural aims to promote a universality, a shared encounter that may in turn prompt a personal memory or feeling.
The hand-painted piece is the most recent addition to Canary Wharf’s collection, joining over 100 artworks from a diverse range of artists. It is the only hand-painted work in the collection, as well as being the only piece created onsite by the artist themself. Existing works comprise stand-alone sculptures and integrated architectural works by world-renowned artists including Henry Moore, Camille Walala, Helaine Blumenfeld and Yinka Illori. The piece is the latest example of the Estate’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces that reflect a shared experience and foster a sense of community.
To explore easily, visitors can download the Canary Wharf digital art guide from Bloomberg Connects – the free arts and cultural app. The guide includes photo and audio features which can be used on or off site to help art enthusiasts explore the extensive collection.
Lydia Hamblet said: “I am delighted that I have been commissioned to create a large-scale mural for the Canary Wharf permanent collection. This new public art piece is inspired by its surroundings – the calm waters, green parks and vibrant cityscape. More than solely interpreting a specific narrative, I always encourage viewers to connect with the weather imprints and memories they see in my art in their own way.”
Lowri Harries, Assistant Curator – Public Art at Canary Wharf Group said: “ We’re delighted to add this wonderful hand-painted mural by up-and-coming artist Lydia Hamblet to Canary Wharf’s permanent art collection. The large scale of the mural offers a unique immersive aspect to Lydia’s work and seeks to amplify her often explored themes of weather and memory. Walking along the 15-meter length, viewers will be met with an intense sense of movement and light, brightening up an underused part of Canary Wharf, and creating a shared experience.”
Those who work at the Wharf are encouraged to head down and see the mural for themselves, whilst visitors looking to make a day of visiting Canary Wharf can enjoy a skate on the newly re-opened Ice Rink which is open until 24thFebruary 2024. With over 70 cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from including Blacklock, mallow, Dishoom and newcomer Fish Game, visitors won’t be short of a spot to take a break and enjoy a tasty treat.
