Paddington Square Unveils Major Public Art Programme
Great Western Developments, owner of Paddington Square, today unveiled four internationally significant public works of art by artists Ugo Rondinone, Pae White, Catherine Yass and a temporary artwork up for a year by Kathrin Böhm.
This ambitious art initiative represents a major investment into the public realm by Great Western Developments, who commissioned the public art programme working in conjunction with leading London-based cultural studio Lacuna.
Justin Brand, Asset Director at Hotel Properties Ltd, said:
“From Brunel’s Railway to the Regent’s Canal, Paddington has always been a place of transition from London to the West of England – and now the world via the Heathrow Express.
“Paddington Square creates a new gateway to London bringing together internationally excellent architecture and placemaking across public art, retail and dining brands to create an exciting new destination for London.
“The role of public art has been central to Paddington Square from the outset. Here we can showcase works that respond to the space and the Paddington story. We created the public artwork to excite, enrich and inspire visitors and local people alike and foster a sense of connection and pride with Paddington Square and the ongoing story of the area as it changes and develops."
Paddington Square has today announced a major programme of public art commissions, celebrating first London permanent public works by internationally renowned artists Ugo Rondinone, Pae White and Catherine Yass.
Gracing the new piazza space between Praed Street and Paddington Station, a 5-metre high bronze sculpture by Ugo Rondinone will provide a striking new focal point for the millions of visitors travelling into Paddington station every year. Rondinone is famed for the Seven Magic Mountains installation in the Las Vegas desert – a global magnet for photographers and art fans, and one of the most instagrammed art projects in the world.
Pae White will suspend a large and experiential installation, framing the entrance to the new landmark 14-storey building designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. This will be White’s first permanent work in the UK.
Marking the eastern boundary of the site, on Tanner Lane, Turner-Prize nominee Catherine Yass will take over a 24-metre-long wall of the neighbouring St Mary’s Hospital to deliver a large-scale collaborative photographic installation featuring and celebrating NHS workers.
The fourth component of the public art package sees a rotational mural series on Tanner Lane, curated in partnership with local gallery The Showroom. The commissioned murals will each be in-situ for one year, responding to the overarching theme of ‘care’. Artist Kathrin Böhm will launch the series in 2022, followed by Rhea Dillon in 2023 and Long Distance Press (Adam Shield and Thomas Whittle) in 2024.
The Paddington Square art programme has been led by developer Sellar and London-based curatorial agency Lacuna, and will mark the inauguration of a new Paddington Art Walk by The Paddington Partnership, incorporating over 30 pieces across the district.
18.07.24
