From the 28th September, our streets are set to look a little extra-special thanks to a new piece of public artwork commissioned by Sofitel entitled Silver Lining. A surrealist piece centered on optimism, several locations set within the St James’s neighbourhood will be creatively reimagined with ‘shimmering silver ribbons’ by an artist duo, interwoven with a powerful, hope-filled verse from one of the UK’s most exciting young poets. There is also a new Cabinet of Curiosity installation gracing St James's Market, to inspire and delight.
Silver Lining
The first collaboration between critically acclaimed MTArt Agency represented artists Ania Catherine, Dejha Ti and highly esteemed poet Greta Bellamacina, the impressive Silver Lining installation is designed to inspire passers-by to look for the silver linings in life as they begin to navigate the ‘new normal’.
Curated by Sofitel Hotels, the commission aims to share the philosophy of ‘Joie de Vivre’ (The Joy Of Life) bringing a splash of dazzling silver and an inspirational poem to the streets of London. Silver Lining is an inspirational installation filled with thought-provoking, uplifting reflections about each and every day, encouraging locals and visitors to find their own silver lining. Upon de-installation of the work, the artists will then repurpose the silver lining and use it as source material on a limited series of artwork on canvas, providing a further opportunity to spread the joy of this heartening piece of work.
Plan your trip to St James’s from the 28th September – 19th October to see the stunning Silver Lining in situ. Starting in Waterloo Place head over over to The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (commonly known as ‘The Eros Fountain’) in Piccadilly Circus; before walking along Piccadilly to Princes Arcade; and circle back towards St James’s Market to see the installation in full.
Whilst there, you are a stone’s throw away from brilliant restaurants such as Aquavit, ikoyi, Wild Honey St James’s and Scully – so why not book a table and make an occasion out of your visit. If time isn’t on your side, nearby Ole & Steen is also perfectly placed for a quick bite or coffee to go.
Or, visit the St James’s Market Cabinet of Curiosity: also created by the MTArt Agency team.
St James's Market Cabinet of Curiosity
The Cabinet of Curiosity will offer you a multi-sensory experience, with each piece of art and object carefully curated to provide a moment of reflection and contemplation. The artwork by David Aiu Servan Schreiber invites you to think about the planet – visually reflecting its beauty and the impact we have had on it, ending with a note of hope for the future too. Take a moment to reflect in the heart of St James's
With St James's loved by many for its extensive offering of art and craftsmanship, now feels like a unique chance to explore central London with the streets a little quieter, whilst enjoying a mesmerising piece of artwork alight with optimism for the future.
Read Greta Bellamacina’s Silver Lining poem below and look out for the words on your next visit to Central London.
Silver Lining: the poem
BEHIND THE DAY, THE STARS CHIME IN CANDLES
EIGHTY YEARS OF A THOUSAND MORNINGS BURIED IN IMPOSSIBLE MONUMENTS
SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A SMILE FROM A STRANGER
THE REBIRTH OF MAGIC IS IN EVERYONE
THE RAIN CLEANS THE TICKS OF THE WILD WIND THAT GETS IN FROM TIME TO TIME
HOLD UP THE PUDDLES LIKE MAGIC AND I WILL SWIM ACROSS FOR YOU
YOUR LOVE IS A KINGDOM OF ESCAPE REBUILDING EVERYTHING SACRED
A PASSAGE OF HOPE TWO COLOURS HOLDING A SUNRISE THE MORNING LEAVING THE NIGHT
WE LIVE IN THE CITIES BUT OUR DREAMS ARE WILD GOATS ON THE SIDE OF MOUNTAINS
FARAWAY FROM HERE THERE IS A BONFIRE BLOWING OUT TOWARDS THE SEA, HOLDING AN IMPOSSIBLE KIND OF LOVE THAT HOLDS US THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES
WE SIT ON THE STEPS OF RENAMED STONES OWNING NOTHING BUT IDEAS OF NEW CIVILISATIONS WE WILL NEVER REACH.
Whilst visiting, why not take the time to explore the new The Koppel Project Exchange gallery space that has just opened on Piccadilly?
Or discover the best private views and personal shopping experiences in the St James’s area here.