Seven Dials partners with Zandra Rhodes on wall art installations
London’s Seven Dials has teamed up with artist and fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes to bring a splash of colour to the shopping district’s streets.
Rhodes has created a series of vibrant wall art installations to celebrate the community and safe return of visitors to the area as the Covid-19 lockdown lifts.
Visitors to Seven Dials will be able spot Rhodes’ designs for themselves as they walk the streets of Seven Dials. Each combines her signature pink into psychedelic designs featuring pop-art drawings of flowers, arrows, swirls and thunderbolts in vivid colourways. In addition, all include a quote from Seven Dials’ fans that calls out their favourite memories or experiences and what they are looking forward to doing when they return.
Due to Rhodes’ first studio with Sylvia Ayton being situated on the corner of Neal Street in Seven Dials in 1965, the designs have a swinging sixties aesthetic.
Rhodes said: “I am really excited to have had the opportunity to create some of my artwork for Seven Dials to celebrate everything the area has to offer. I myself had my very first studio on the corner of Neal Street in Seven Dials and there are so many good memories from my time there. In fact, I’d regularly see actor Quentin Crisp frequent a cafe directly opposite my studio whilst I worked! The artwork I’ve created incorporates my signature pink colourways, a nod to the swinging 60s which reflects my time in the area and some fantastic quotes from the Seven Dials community. I can’t wait for it to be unveiled and for everyone to see it!”
The installation follows the implementation of timed road closures throughout Seven Dials which are in operation from 10am to 6pm to ensure social distancing for pedestrians. In addition, Neal’s Yard has adopted a one-way foot traffic system, and additional cyclist parking spaces are also available.
Karen Baines, head of group marketing and communication at Shaftesbury, said: “We are excited to be working with the talented Dame Zandra Rhodes to create vibrant and colourful artwork for our iconic streets. Given Zandra’s history with Seven Dials, she was the perfect fit for this project that celebrates the community and craftsmanship the area is known for. With the atmospheric open-air streets, and new road closure measures allowing for wider streets, this installation adds even more reason for people to safely and enjoyable return to Seven Dials.”
Visitors to Seven Dials are also being treated to impromptu live music performances every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm until 3 October. The ‘Seven Dials Unplugged’ programme of acoustic performances has been launched to support a number of UK performers who have been heavily affected by Covid-.
