LET THERE BE LIGHT

EXHIBITION

Given the general malaise and uncertainty of 2020, the circumstances of so much scaled back, I conjectured with great interest as to the extent of Christmas decorations in Central London this year, usually a wondrously excessive playground of light and design. As footfall in the commercial hub of the city has been consistently down 60-70% compared to pre-pandemic times (2019, the days of yore!), would an ascetic surrender to the prevailing gloom and doom predominate, or would there in fact be a profligate rebuke to misfortune in an assertive push of cheer?

I’m happy to report, from an atmospherically rainy Monday night’s journey across the thoroughfares of the city, that the verdict is London has just gotten on with it (in many instances with a reprise of past successful installations, an economically sensible choice). Covent Garden’s gargantuan tree sparkles with festive bling, a mirror ball transforming the arcades into a winter-club wonderland; with great pageantry, the herald angels bring clarion uplift along Regent Street’s corridor; New Bond Street’s designer feathers gracefully arch along the pavement; wide swaths of traditional garland and wreaths, embossed with baubles, have colonised the length and width of Burlington Arcade; Oxford Street and Carnaby Street have opted for messages of support and hope, celebrations of London heroes and broad resilience (digital readouts on the expansive boards along Oxford Street, a graceful placement of neon signs on Carnaby Street unfurling a quiet song of buoyancy). Although not yet situated, a canopy of lace ribbon and what appeared as frosted twig running the circumference of Seven Dials intimated a classy display (I will return to see the completed effort).

Most heartbreaking was the barren nature of the streets, hardly populated at 6:00 in the evening, areas usually heaving with people and energy and incident. But the fact that London has soldiered on confidently, defiantly with holiday exuberance in the face of such ongoing distress helps enormously to bolster forbearance. Let it shine radiantly, and purge the last remaining deplorable vestiges, of this menacing year!

Please visit the Instagram account for video action…static shots aren’t the most favourable way in which to experience the installations. The most just encounter, of course, is to have a proper (in real life) stroll amongst the works. Enjoy!