Mark Titchner creates a new artwork for Stainer Street
Iconic artwork 'Me. Here. Now' by leading South London-based artist Mark Titchner has been revealed as part of the transformation of Stainer Street, a new walkway linking communities either side of London Bridge station.
The giant mirrored domes that comprise the work ‘Me. Here. Now.’ can be spotted on Stainer Street, the newly reopened passage from Guy’s Hospital through to the River Thames.
Titchner has previously been nominated for a Turner Prize, and participated in the Venice Biennale in 2007.
The commission is part of the Thameslink Programme initiative to improve the experience of the community, as well as those travelling through the station.
‘Only the first step is difficult / The distance means nothing / One foot in front of the other'
Mark Titchner’s artwork consists of three mirrored domes suspended from the ceiling of Stainer Street walkway, featuring printed quotes. The polished stainless steel reflects both the brickwork of the walkway and the movement and colour of everyday life below, giving the visitor an unexpected view of a familiar setting. Curated by Futurecity, the artwork creates a new reference point and meeting place in London Bridge station, welcoming the 54m people who pass through it annually to the area and reflecting on the transformation of this once dirty and polluted tunnel under the old station.
Team London Bridge CEO Nadia Broccardo spoke at the opening event on 17th October, saying “The London Bridge business community asked Network Rail for improved public spaces and cultural features in the new station and Stainer Street delivers both in style. The newly pedestrianised walkway provides a fantastic new location in which our culture strategy can be realised. The artwork welcomes and draws people through the station to explore, shop and visit the attractions in London Bridge.”
Moving south through the tunnel, four plaques provide historical views of the street and station over time during its 180 years. Having past the new retailers in the Western Arcade, Stainer Street emerges onto St Thomas Street opposite Guy's Hospital where a final blue plaque remembers the 68 people who died here in 1941 during a WWII bombing.
Read more about the transformation of Stainer Street and the Thameslink Programme
