ALMACANTAR REVEALS NATURE-INSPIRED SCULPTURE AT MARBLE ARCH PLACE
Almacantar invites the public to visit, enjoy and reflect upon an exciting new piece of artwork, standing proudly at London’s newest address - Marble Arch Place, a new landmark development acting as a gateway to the West End. Located on the most central corner of Hyde Park, Circadian is the product of eight years’ work by London-born artist Lee Simmons, who has spent this time imagining and crafting a sculpture which connects the built environment to its nearby natural surroundings.
The sculpture is a flora-like form bursting from the ground, growing towards the natural light and facing one of the world’s most famous parks, Hyde Park. Made entirely of steel, Circadian reaches 11m in height, and is inspired by the circadian rhythm - the natural cycle which acts as a biological timekeeper for living organisms. The sculpture’s south-west facing position, along with its stainless-steel finish, means that Circadian reacts to the changing light - the soft matte finish holds light in an unexpected way.
Almacantar take time to consider art when planning and developing properties. At Marble Arch Place, Circadian sits between The Bryanston, a collection of 54 luxury residences, and 5 Marble Arch, a seven-storey commercial building, offering Grade A office space and a new retail hub. Almacantar commissioned Simmons to create an art piece that would bring these buildings together, paying homage to the development’s spectacular position.
With 5 Marble Arch’s successful pre-let to private equity firm Bridgepoint, an attractive mix of retail and leisure occupiers confirmed, and sales for The Bryanston underway, March Arch Place promises to establish itself as an exciting hub in this intersection between Mayfair, Marylebone and Oxford Street – with Circadian at its core.
Harry Chichester, Executive Director at Almacantar, said:
“Artwork in the built environment is a vital connector of people and place - it encourages visitors to pay attention to and appreciate the environment in which they are in. The standard of public art in London is very high and we wanted to deliver a placemaking installation that would create a “stop and stare” moment on this busy corner of Hyde Park. With one of London’s best-loved Royal Parks on its doorstep, along with its proximity to the city’s popular shopping streets and cultural institutes, we knew we had a captive audience at Marble Arch Place we wanted to engage with.”
Artist, Lee Simmons said:
“10 years ago, I would look out from my bench at the Royal College of Art’s Kensington campus and see the treetops of Hyde Park which face Marble Arch, and I remember thinking at that time how beautiful and special the park is to London. Circadian aims to recreate this feeling, and I wanted to capture the public’s imagination in the way the view did for me. Circadian was under development for many years and a project which has been a privilege to work on. Almacantar commissioned me on this opportunity at such an early, important stage in my career, and has given me the support needed to undertake what has been a testing and unique project. With the project now complete and London’s West End looking to get back on its feet after what has been a challenging time for us all, I truly hope that the piece can bring joy and add to the dynamism of this great city.”
Oliver Fenn-Smith, CEO at The Portman Estate, said:
“The Portman Estate recognises the important role that public art plays in the community. With a commitment to make art accessible to our residents and visitors alike, we are delighted with Lee Simmons’ Circadian installation in Marble Arch Place. The artwork will enliven the public realm by 5 Marble Arch and The Bryanston, which forms part of our long-term vision of regenerating Marble Arch.”
For information on Marble Arch Place, visit www.almacantar.com.
For more information on The Bryanston, visit www.thebryanston.co.uk
