NEW ART INSTALLATION BY LUAP AT GPE'S 95 NEW BOND STREET
Great Portland Estates plc (GPE) have facilitated the brightening up of New Bond Street by installing an eye-catching, experiential artwork by leading British contemporary artist LUAP in the windows of 95 New Bond Street, their landmark asset - a flagship retail space of 6,000 sq ft, available to let on a new 24-month lease.
This is not your typical window display. Entitled Nature and Nurture, LUAP’s signature motif, The Pink Bear, makes another appearance in this bespoke installation for GPE, set in the jungle with wild flowers. The artwork is stopping many passers-by who are encouraged to look at problems from a new perspective. The bear’s poses suggest positive movement and personal growth as the world emerges from the pandemic.
GPE’s own development is also visually represented through the installation - they are increasingly working together with artists, committing to creating spaces and places which enrich their surroundings. GPE are supporting the arts, which have been heavily hit by coronavirus. Art is increasingly being used to enliven retail spaces – an industry which too has been affected by the pandemic and is having to evolve.
This is GPE’s third permanent public art commission in Westminster and its first in Mayfair. GPE is also installing new public art in its recently completed Hanover development in Hanover Square, to be revealed later this year.
Leasing director, Marc Wilder said:
“We want to create destinations and experiences, places which people want to visit and linger in. Retail is evolving - to compete with online, high streets and shopping destinations are having to offer a true experience, so that people feel they are part of a bigger narrative.
As a landlord we have a responsibility to support the communities in which we work and so we are committed to looking for more creative ways and finding uses for our retail space that creates genuine value.”
Paul Robinson, aka LUAP, said:
“Art has started to transform the high streets and fill the voids, both visually and emotionally as the world begins to recover. Instead of looking at windows and feeling the FOMO of not having the latest buzz item, art is replenishing us with much needed vitality on the streets. It is helping us to make sense of this new world.”
