Crossrail has unveiled its plans for an ambitious public art installation spanning eight of the project’s brand new stations.
‘The Culture Line’ will see large-works brighten up Crossrail stations across central and east London through a partnership with some of the capitals best-known art galleries.
‘English clouds’ are going to become the focus of the first piece to be selected as part of the project, with Spencer Finch commissioned to design the 120m long glazed station canopy above Paddington station.
Finch’s ‘A Cloud Index’ will ressemble a typical sky found in works by traditional English landscape painters like Constable and Turner.
Artist Spencer Finch said: “I am thrilled about this project. No one believes me when I say this, but English clouds are really different from American clouds, they are closer to the horizon, denser, and move across the sky differently.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to get to know these English clouds and do something beautiful with them on a grand scale.”
Crossrail chairman Terry Morgan said: “The scale of the world-class new stations we are building create a blank canvas for artwork produced by leading artists.
“When Crossrail is finished it will not only be a functional transport system, but a cultural destination for everyone to enjoy.”
Among the galleries already identified to work in partnership with Crossrail are Lisson Gallery for Paddington station, Victoria Miro for Liverpool Street, Gagosian for Tottenham Court Road, White Cube for Bond Street station and Sadie Coles for Farringdon.
Crossrail is in discussions with other renowned galleries for the remaining stations at Whitechapel, Canary Wharf and Custom House.
