The Shard will hold its longest ever continuous light show next week as the building gets into the Christmas spirit with designs inspired by its employees, writes Megan Norcott…
The 60-minute Shard Lights spectacle will start at 6.45 pm on 25 November and repeat on the hour, every hour after nightfall, until the New Year.
Bringing festive cheer to spectators up to 40 miles away, the lights are set to illuminate London’s skyline with the expressionist artwork of Gustavo Zuluaga Villegas, who works in the Shard’s housekeeping team.
The 65-year-old self-taught artist said: “I came to London from Colombia in 1996 to start a new chapter in my life. The Shard has been part of that journey for the past eight years, and it means a lot to see my artwork reflected on a building I know so well.
“During the pandemic, my daughter’s creativity inspired me to return to painting, something that’s always been close to my heart. To now see those paintings transformed into light for everyone to enjoy feels incredibly special.”
Commissioned to create a painting for the yearly event, Gustavo’s abstract strokes will be reflected on the top 20-storeys of the UK’s tallest building as a centrepiece of bright rainbow flashes.
Michael Baker, CEO of REM and asset manager of The Shard, commented: “The Shard Lights are always a highlight of our year, but this time we wanted to do something more personal – to celebrate creativity within our own community.
“Gustavo has been part of The Shard team for many years, and it’s been inspiring to see his artistic talent brought to life through this year’s display, along with the other talented, creative individuals who work in the building. His work is full of colour, movement and emotion, and we’re proud to see it shining across London’s skyline.”
Self-taught, he usually paints in oil on canvas, using palette knives and brushes to capture personal experiences, the natural world, and memories from his childhood, especially his love of horses.
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It won’t be horses jumping across the sides of the 72-floor skyscraper this festive season, however but reindeer!
Accompanied by Christmas trees and letters spelling out the word London, 11 other sequences will also be depicted by the 575 LED units adorning the building.
Each of the sequences are created by employees whose businesses reside in the 310m high building, from office administrators to graphic designers, illustrators and accountants.
Kate Ross, a Digital Designer at Kraft Heinz said: “Being part of The Shard’s Christmas light display feels completely surreal – it’s the kind of project you dream about as a designer. My piece was inspired by how light connects people, like a kaleidoscope of cultures coming together across London.
“To see that idea brought to life on such a huge scale, shining out across the city, is both humbling and thrilling. I hope when people look up, they feel that same sense of warmth and connection.”
Sarah James, a financial controller in Mitie’s Shard office, also described how she wanted her piece to turn the ‘powerful symbol of London’ into a beacon of festive joy that brings people together.
Londoners seeking more holiday cheer can also enjoy Christmas activities within the 72-storey skyscraper, at one of the building’s many restaurants or bars.
The Aqua Shard restaurant has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity to create a Christmas tree which will be decked in Neverland themed ornaments, including Tinkerbell’s wings, crocodiles, clocks, compasses, lanterns and more.
Patrons looking to indulge can also try the themed drinks and dessert menu available from 15 November to 4 January.
Still not satisfied? Want to unbuckle that belt one more notch like you’re Santa Clause in the North Pole?
Check out the Shangri-La Hotel’s ‘Enchanted Wonders’ Christmas decorations while enjoying afternoon tea at TING restaurant, as finger sandwiches, fluffy pastries and other savoury options inspired by the season fill your belly.
Available from 18 November to 6 January, the tea menu costs £89 per person and can be supplemented with a £10 flute of champagne.
While warming up for the main event on Christmas Eve, tuck into a sharing menu of seasonal dishes at £185 per person, including a flute of champagne.
Or go all out and spend Christmas lunch or dinner with the Shangri-La on the 25th at £285 per person, for a feast with all the trimmings and a TING twist.
