Illuminated River

[8] A design by American artist Leo Villareal, in collaboration with British architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands was selected from 105 entries by a jury in November 2016.

The survey allowed the project team to target a luminance level for the artwork on each bridge, minimise light spill and save energy.

In the first phase of the project, the installation of bridge lighting over the river Thames required specialist construction workers, “abseilers with electrical engineering degrees”.

The Illuminated River will celebrate the unique architecture and heritage of our bridges, showcase creativity, boost life at night and transform the way we think about the Thames."

[24] Leo Villareal described how he intended the artwork to respond to the historical and current context of the site: The palette I chose for Lambeth and Westminster bridges reflect the colours of the seats in their respective parliamentary chambers.

[26] On 31 December 2020, Illuminated River formed part of the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve lighting and fireworks display, which incorporated Thames landmarks such as The Shard, Tower Bridge and The O2.

[28] A three-part Channel 4 documentary, London’s Great Bridges: Lighting the Thames which aired in July 2019, covered the project up to the launch of the first phase.

A community fund was launched in 2019 to help local groups engage in the project with activities that: ‘encourage more people to enjoy the Thames, its bridges and riverside surroundings at night’.

[36] Free Illuminated River walking tours were offered to staff from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust during the Covid-19 pandemic.