Advertisement

South Bank hotel to become luminous artwork for Lumiere London 2018

Mondrian London will provide the canvas for Thames Pulse: a dynamic artwork that reflects the river's water quality. - Niall Clutton
Mondrian London will provide the canvas for Thames Pulse: a dynamic artwork that reflects the river's water quality. - Niall Clutton

One of South Bank's most imposing hotels will be transformed into a dazzling art installation this week as part of the Lumiere London light festival.

The façade of Mondrian London at Sea Containers, a contemporary design hotel overlooking the Thames, will provide the canvas for Thames Pulse: a dynamic artwork which reflects the 'health' of the passing river.

Sensors reading the water's pollution levels will feed information back to the installation, causing the lights on the hotel's exterior to change pattern and colour according to whether quality is good, average or poor.

Jason Bruges, the artist behind Thames Pulse, hopes it will help raise awareness around the issue of water quality in London's rivers, and encourage people to get involved with volunteering activities through Thames21, an organisation that seeks to protect London's waterways.

“The data we take from the Thames tells a vital story of the life in the river, and Sea Containers is the perfect site-specific canvas on which to illustrate that story," he said.

"We are delighted to be working with such innovative partners on this project, and to have the opportunity to create an installation so relevant to the river and those who interact with it."

The best things to do in London and where to stay

lumiere london, westminster abbey - Credit: Matthew Andrews
Patrice Warrener's Westminster Abbey display was one of the most popular exhibits at Lumiere London 2016. He returns with Chapter 2 this year. Credit: Matthew Andrews

It will be one of more than 50 artworks set to illuminate London's streets this week, in locations across the West End, Mayfair, South Bank and King's Cross.

Anticipated highlights include vibrant, stained glass colours projected onto Westminster Abbey, luminous balloons floating above Trafalgar Square, and lustrous flamingos 'flying' above Chinatown.

The lights will go up on Wednesday January 18 and remain in place until the end of the festival, on Sunday January 21.

Mondrian London will also be offering a special Lumiere London package during this period, billing it as a chance to stay in one of the festival's official installations.

Along with a night's accommodation with breakfast, the £207-a-night offer includes two limited edition Lumiere cocktails in the hotel's rooftop bar, and two tickets for the Lumiere London VIP hub.

For more information, see: Mondrian Lumiere London and Lumiere London.

• Read the full expert review: Mondrian London