South London artist to transform London Bridge

A new series of artworks has been commissioned in busy public spaces in South London to promote civic pride and community strength.

A collaboration between business network Team London Bridge and local artist Mark Titchner will transform the London Bridge area in Newcomen Street and Bermondsey Street.

This collaboration evolves Mark’s relationship with the area and brings focus to the dynamic cultural identity of London Bridge.

With his bold, colourful artworks and messages of hope, the works offer a much-needed morale boost to residents, workers, and visitors to the London Bridge area.

The first artwork, Hope Reveals The World, in Newcomen Street, hugely enhances its surroundings – located by a busy gateway on the Quietway 1 cycle route leading off Borough High Street and opposite the Crol and Co café.

The Sun Rises Bright, in Bermondsey Street, and Hope Reveals The World adorn a railway arch between Pizza Pilgrims and Honest Burgers.

They are part of the Low Line, a walking destination along the length of the Victorian railway viaducts spanning Bankside, London Bridge and Bermondsey.

Walking along the Low Line allows visitors to discover the heritage of the railway arches which have been a part of the area for over 150 years, shaping places of interest along the way.

Mark Titchner said, “The original concept for this series of artworks was based on the idea of offering a nurturing, reassuring presence as we ease back into our unfamiliar and familiar streets.

“However as I developed the texts for the works I also felt a sense that this moment – despite all the difficulty – presents an immense opportunity. The opportunity to build a better version of what we had before.

“As such the aesthetic style of the works shifted away from something soothing towards something bold and celebratory.

“Reflecting a hope that despite all the challenges so far and those yet to come we will be together again in the streets we know and love.”

Team bridge London said in a statement: “The way we experience and think about our neighbourhoods has changed dramatically over the past few months as we explore them anew.

“Civic pride and shared responsibility to look after our open spaces have contributed to a sense of community strength and solidarity that is celebrated by Team London Bridge.”

In 2018 Mark Titchner launched his permanent work Me. Here. Now. in the Stainer Street walkway at London Bridge Station in collaboration with Team London Bridge.

The work comprises three huge polished stainless-steel domes suspended from an arched ceiling that reflects the brickwork above and the journeys of everyday life below.