Illuminated River project unveils first four stunningly lit bridges
Thames Luxury Charters have long been a supporter of the fantastic Illuminated River project, a long-term art commission on an unprecedented scale designed to light up bridges throughout central London.
Free to view and accessible to all, Illuminated River is a symbol of London's creativity, ambition and spirit. The artwork celebrates the architecture and heritage of London's historic bridges, and will encourage more people to enjoy the river and the riverside at night.
Following years of hard work and support from across the community and beyond, we are absolutely delighted to see the results in action.
On 17 July 2019, the first phase of the Illuminated River went live as four of the Thames' most famous bridges were transformed at sunset. London Bridge, Cannon Street Bridge, Southwark Bridge and Millennium Bridge are now lit up in unison, with sequenced LED patterns subtly unfolding across each unique structure.
London Bridge
London Bridge will respond to the continuous stream of movement, colour, noise, and cultural activity in the surrounding area. The simple form and silhouette of the bridge is complemented by fields of broad and warm colour.
Cannon Street Bridge
Cannon Street Bridge, despite being one of the oldest bridges on the Thames, has never been lit before. Villareal's artwork celebrates the bridge's oft-overlooked utilitarian character and monumental Doric columns, with subtle kinetic colours mirroring the motion of the trains passing above.
Southwark Bridge
Drawing inspiration from the colour palettes of the Impressionist masters, the bridge’s illumination will continue, with slightly more saturation, the colours used on Cannon Street Bridge.
Millennium Bridge
Inspired by superhero Flash Gordon, the lighting scheme was originally designed to incorporate a ‘blade of light’. Illuminated River's pulse of light mirrors the movements of people crossing the bridge, highlighting their faces and casting silhouettes that enhance the bridge structure, while preserving the inky darkness of the Thames below.
Artwork for the first four bridges will be seen more than 60 million times each year by Londoners and visitors alike, and the project will eventually see up to 15 bridges lit throughout the city.
The illuminated bridges are stunning additions to London’s skyline and add extra sparkle when cruising the river at night. While they can of course be viewed from a distance, there’s nothing quite like seeing them up close as you sail through the arches on your very own luxury private vessel.
How to enjoy the Illuminated River with TLC
If you would like to enjoy the Illuminated River from a truly unique perspective, we warmly invite you to start creating your bespoke evening charter with us. Our vessels Elizabethan and Edwardian are both able to sail through the bridges, subject to tides and your chosen route.
Enquire today and you'll receive a bespoke booking proposal from our friendly and experienced Events Management Team, who will assist you every step of the way. We would also be delighted to give you a guided viewing of the fleet so you can see their style and versatility up close.
It's wonderful on water. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon.
The Thames Luxury Charters experience
Illuminated River images © James Newton
