The new Blue Sunset over London

We are proud to unveil our latest public artwork; Blue Sunset - a colossal mural celebrating the community and transformation of London's historic docklands. 

Photo: Sarah Larby

Bringing together flowers suggested by members of the local community, and those that reference the history and the evolution of the landscape surrounding The Royal Docks, Blue Sunset is an ode to the energy, diversity and stories of the area. 

Each flower represents its own historical and cultural meaning; from the bright tulips that symbolise renewal and rebirth, to the proud sunflowers that radiate positivity and strength. But these blooms were also chosen because of the personal significance they hold with local residents. By gathering suggestions, stories and memories from the community,  our aim was to build a mural that reflects both shared and subjective connections to the natural world. 

The site of the artwork is also very important here, as the historical development of the docklands is evident - with Richard Rogers’ unmistakable Tidal Basin Pumping Station just next door. The yellows, blues and reds within the artwork design mirror Rogers’ use of primary colours, while the sun shaped blue in the background is a reference not only to blue skies, sunrise and sunset, but also Rogers’ use of primitive shapes.

The industrialisation of this corner of London dates back long before Richard Rogers, however. Before the mid 1800s, the local landscape was mainly marshland. By the 1880s the Royal Docks (and others in East London) became one of the biggest bases for the cargo industry, importing goods from regions all over the British Empire. Around this time, there was a rise in 'botanical adventurers' who travelled on ships, bringing exotic plant species back with them into London. 

Many of the ‘native’ species that we know and love, are present in the UK thanks to these far-flung trade routes and the migration of people across generations. "As the last ice age retreated, the British Isles had the smallest range of flora and fauna in the world. Even by year 1000 we had only a few hundred indigenous plants. But over the last millennium seeds, bulbs, seedlings and cuttings have been brought to Britain by warriors, explorers and plant hunters." The Origin of Plants, Maggie Campbell-Culver.

Photo: Sarah Larby

The rich mix of people from different cultures, in the borough of Newham, brings together a blend of their respective stories, traditions and celebrations - much like the vibrant mix of flora and fauna in our new artwork. 

In an area which has been shaped by the industrial and access to green space is scarce, Blue Sunset serves as our gift to the community; a pocket of ‘nature’ amongst the grey, or contemporary nosegay.