Fragments of a Changing Future is available to view every evening until 11pm, so take a stroll along the Thames after your visit and see the Illuminated River artworks take centre stage.
A major new courtyard installation by artist Dana-Fiona Armour, blending sculpture, science, and responsive light technology, is now open at Somerset House.
Just a few more chances to join an Illuminated River night photography course this season, so don't miss your chance to learn new skills from award-winning photographer Nigel Wilson.
Dates & booking: https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
📸 Steve Williams
Today, as Waterloo Bridge is lit each night as part of Illuminated River, it stands as a reminder of the women whose labour helped shape London’s skyline.
📸 James Newton
Despite being hit by German bombers during the war, Waterloo Bridge was completed in 1945, and the women’s contributions were so significant that it became known as The Ladies’ Bridge.
With much of the male workforce called away to war, the bridge's building contractor Peter Lind & Company increasingly turned to women to carry out the work.
From dismantling the old bridge to helping build the new one, women became the predominant force on site through to its completion in 1945.
Construction of a new Waterloo Bridge began in 1937, and when war broke out, the Ministry of Transport ordered that the project must continue as work of national importance.
By the 1930s, the foundations of John Rennie’s original 19th-century bridge were failing, meaning it was no longer fit for modern London, so a replacement was needed to meet growing traffic demands.
On #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate the women of Waterloo Bridge.
📸 © Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Don't miss your opportunity to see the Thames in a new light this March:
As the days get longer, our Illuminated River Walking Tours take a break until Autumn - so if you've been meaning to join one, there are just two chances left this season.
Have you ever spotted this distinctive 1950s sign on the side of Waterloo Bridge?
It was designed by LCC architect Norman Engleback and restored by Heritage of London Trust, preserving the iconic design and adding to the vibrancy of the area.
✅ Westminster Bridge reimagined.
Leo Villareal’s artwork honours the bridge's historically significant design, by bringing its iconic green to life from below.
We ❤️💚💙 seeing the Illuminated River artworks through your lens - here are a few that caught our eye recently.
Tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured on our channels 📸
The exhibition is open until 9pm every Friday and Saturday, so take a stroll along the Thames after your visit and see the Illuminated River artworks take centre stage.
A landmark exhibition of work by Tracey Emin opens this weekend at Tate Modern.
Tracing 40 years of Emin’s groundbreaking practice, the exhibition showcases career-defining sensations alongside works never exhibited before.
Have you ever spotted the fascinating 30m long mosaic at Queenhithe Dock?
You can find it on the North Bank of the Thames, between Southwark Bridge and Millennium Bridge, both of which are illuminated every evening, as part of the world's longest public artwork.
Talk about a glowup ✨ Leo Villareal's artwork adorns Lambeth Bridge with a red glow - to match the colour of the benches in the House of Lords’ chamber, and mirror the red accents of the bridge’s railings and arches.
Tours take place fortnightly on Thursdays during February and March - dates and tickets via our website:
Wrap up warm and immerse yourself in the Illuminated River artwork - with a walking tour along the Thames.
All tours are led by friendly, knowledgeable City of London Guides, so you'll discover stories of the Thames, its bridges and the world's longest piece of public art.
To the romantics, the late-night Londoners, and the lovers of light... Happy Valentine's Day, from Illuminated River ❤️
Which bridge would you choose for a Valentine’s walk?
📸 Blackfriars Bridge, by James Newton
Step onboard, relax and enjoy the best views of the world's longest piece of public art, with guided commentary from City of London Guides and Westminster City Guides, and refreshments available from the onboard café bar.
Weekday sailings of the Official Illuminated River Boat Tour continue throughout February and March, with Thames Clippers.
A free, self-guided 2.5-mile walking tour map from Illuminated River's environmental lighting consultants Atelier Ten is available on our website, featuring fascinating insights into the sustainable design and engineering behind the project.
Did you know the average amount of energy used to light each Illuminated River bridge is just 10 kilowatts - roughly the same as powering five standard fan heaters?
As long as your film has a clear connection to the Thames and runs under 2.5 minutes, it’s welcome - but be quick, as entries close on 12 February.
Find out more: https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
#LondonVideographer #LondonContentCreator
You could tell a story, capture the Thames or the Illuminated River artworks through your own lens, or create something entirely new.
This is the first year that video has been included in the competition, so this is your chance to show what the category can be.
If the Thames inspires you, we’d love to see your response on film, in the new Video category of the Thames Lens competition, sponsored by Illuminated River.
