Illuminated River
@illuminatedriver.bsky.social
World’s longest public art commission, illuminating nine central London bridges along the River Thames.
www.illuminatedriver.london
www.illuminatedriver.london
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
November 11, 2025 at 10:55 AM
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
Photograph: Blackfriars Bridge lit for VE Day 2025, By Paul Crawley
#RemembranceDay #ArmisticeDay #LondonRemembers
Have you ever noticed the Dolphin lamps along the Thames Embankment?
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
November 9, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Have you ever noticed the Dolphin lamps along the Thames Embankment?
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
The first such lamps were used to light the embankments from the early 1870s, and were based on statues at the Fontana del Nettuno in Rome. Further lamp posts were added in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.
On This Day in 1896, Blackfriars Road Bridge was opened by Queen Victoria.
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM
On This Day in 1896, Blackfriars Road Bridge was opened by Queen Victoria.
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
The bridge, designed by Joseph Cubitt, was actually a replacement for the original Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769 and was originally known as William Pitt Bridge.
Photo: James Newton
The book features more than 30 works ranging in scale – from exhibitions and immersive architectural commissions like Cosmos at Cornell University, to urban-scale artworks such as Illuminated River – and includes work from over two decades of the artist’s career.
November 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The book features more than 30 works ranging in scale – from exhibitions and immersive architectural commissions like Cosmos at Cornell University, to urban-scale artworks such as Illuminated River – and includes work from over two decades of the artist’s career.
Leo Villareal: Coding Light is an expansive monograph of work by Illuminated River's acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, which is published today.
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
November 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Leo Villareal: Coding Light is an expansive monograph of work by Illuminated River's acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, which is published today.
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
https://www.phaidon.com/products/leo-villareal-coding-light
Shining a light on: @southbankcentre Winter Market.
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
November 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Shining a light on: @southbankcentre Winter Market.
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
From 3 Nov, stroll along Queen's Walk, taking in Illuminated River's Waterloo Bridge and Golden Jubilee footbridges, and sample indulgent drinks & scrumptious street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.
📸 James Newton
If you'd love to learn to capture incredible imagery after dark, join award-winning photographer Nigel Wilson for an evening photography adventure along the Thames, capturing the nine Illuminated River bridges.
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
October 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
If you'd love to learn to capture incredible imagery after dark, join award-winning photographer Nigel Wilson for an evening photography adventure along the Thames, capturing the nine Illuminated River bridges.
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
https://illuminatedriver.london/whatson/illuminated-river-photography-courses-4
Getting great photos at night is one of the trickiest challenges in photography - but it's a skill that, with some tips from an expert, anyone can develop.
October 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Getting great photos at night is one of the trickiest challenges in photography - but it's a skill that, with some tips from an expert, anyone can develop.
Need a fun, free family activity in London this October Half Term?
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
October 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Need a fun, free family activity in London this October Half Term?
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
Download the Illuminated River Kids' Pack and head out on a mini adventure to explore the world's longest public art installation: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/explore (scroll down for the Kids Pack)
#ThingsToDoInLondon
Illuminated River is a long-term #artinstallation transforming the #Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works that span nine bridges in central #London.
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October 26, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Illuminated River is a long-term #artinstallation transforming the #Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works that span nine bridges in central #London.
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We're delighted to announce that Illuminated River will sponsor a new video category in the Thames Festival Trust's Thames Lens 2026 photography competition.
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
October 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM
We're delighted to announce that Illuminated River will sponsor a new video category in the Thames Festival Trust's Thames Lens 2026 photography competition.
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
https://thamesfestivaltrust.org/artistic-programme/thames-lens/thames-lens-photo-submission/
Over a century later, the Thames remains an enduring source of inspiration. Its bridges and waters remain a canvas for artists reimagining the river for modern London.
Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Over a century later, the Thames remains an enduring source of inspiration. Its bridges and waters remain a canvas for artists reimagining the river for modern London.
Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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Read the full story of art along the Thames: https://illuminatedriver.london/stories/dirty-old-river-the-thames-in-art
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Yet Whistler’s atmospheric vision transformed how the river was seen - a moody contrast to John Atkinson Grimshaw’s luminous romantic style of The Thames by Moonlight with Southwark Bridge.
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October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Yet Whistler’s atmospheric vision transformed how the river was seen - a moody contrast to John Atkinson Grimshaw’s luminous romantic style of The Thames by Moonlight with Southwark Bridge.
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Artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler found beauty in its overlooked corners, capturing dockside life and misty nights in his evocative Nocturnes.
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October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler found beauty in its overlooked corners, capturing dockside life and misty nights in his evocative Nocturnes.
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October 18, 2025 at 9:02 AM
There's always so much to see and do along the #RiverThames.
The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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October 15, 2025 at 1:01 PM
There's always so much to see and do along the #RiverThames.
The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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The #LondonLiteratureFestival returns for 2025, taking place from 21 October to 2 November at @southbankcentre.bsky.social.
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A River Through Time: The Thames in Art – Part 3
In the 18th century, as England modernised, artists embraced a Romantic style. Among them was #PhilipJamesdeLoutherbourg, who moved to #London in 1771 and became a set designer for the Garrick Theatre.
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In the 18th century, as England modernised, artists embraced a Romantic style. Among them was #PhilipJamesdeLoutherbourg, who moved to #London in 1771 and became a set designer for the Garrick Theatre.
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October 12, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A River Through Time: The Thames in Art – Part 3
In the 18th century, as England modernised, artists embraced a Romantic style. Among them was #PhilipJamesdeLoutherbourg, who moved to #London in 1771 and became a set designer for the Garrick Theatre.
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In the 18th century, as England modernised, artists embraced a Romantic style. Among them was #PhilipJamesdeLoutherbourg, who moved to #London in 1771 and became a set designer for the Garrick Theatre.
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On #WorldMentalHealthDay, take a Mindful Moment at Millennium Bridge.
As the city moves around you, why not take a moment to stop and reflect?
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As the city moves around you, why not take a moment to stop and reflect?
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October 10, 2025 at 11:32 AM
On #WorldMentalHealthDay, take a Mindful Moment at Millennium Bridge.
As the city moves around you, why not take a moment to stop and reflect?
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As the city moves around you, why not take a moment to stop and reflect?
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There's always so much to see and do along the River Thames.
Don't miss the Tower of London's 'The Tower Remembers 2025' Poppies commemorative display, available to visit until 11 November.
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Don't miss the Tower of London's 'The Tower Remembers 2025' Poppies commemorative display, available to visit until 11 November.
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October 8, 2025 at 1:01 PM
There's always so much to see and do along the River Thames.
Don't miss the Tower of London's 'The Tower Remembers 2025' Poppies commemorative display, available to visit until 11 November.
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Don't miss the Tower of London's 'The Tower Remembers 2025' Poppies commemorative display, available to visit until 11 November.
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Shining a Light on: #BloomsburyFestival
Returning from Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 October, Bloomsbury Festival celebrates the area’s creativity with a packed programme of arts, culture, performance, science, and discussion, with much of it free to experience, including...
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Returning from Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 October, Bloomsbury Festival celebrates the area’s creativity with a packed programme of arts, culture, performance, science, and discussion, with much of it free to experience, including...
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October 6, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Shining a Light on: #BloomsburyFestival
Returning from Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 October, Bloomsbury Festival celebrates the area’s creativity with a packed programme of arts, culture, performance, science, and discussion, with much of it free to experience, including...
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Returning from Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 October, Bloomsbury Festival celebrates the area’s creativity with a packed programme of arts, culture, performance, science, and discussion, with much of it free to experience, including...
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Budding photographer? Want to boost your night-time photography skills? Capture London after dark with our Illuminated River Photography Course.
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October 2, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Budding photographer? Want to boost your night-time photography skills? Capture London after dark with our Illuminated River Photography Course.
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Hear from artist Ros Burgin, whose installation Above and Below was recently shown on Thames Clippers boats for Thames Festival Trust's #TotallyThames 2025, as she shares what she loves about Illuminated River and why she sees it as such an important artwork in the heart of #London.
September 30, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Hear from artist Ros Burgin, whose installation Above and Below was recently shown on Thames Clippers boats for Thames Festival Trust's #TotallyThames 2025, as she shares what she loves about Illuminated River and why she sees it as such an important artwork in the heart of #London.
This #WorldRiversDay, we celebrate the life, history, and beauty of rivers worldwide, including one of the UK’s most iconic waterways, the #RiverThames.
Rivers sustain communities, inspire culture, & connect us with nature, but they face growing challenges that require our care & stewardship.
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Rivers sustain communities, inspire culture, & connect us with nature, but they face growing challenges that require our care & stewardship.
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September 28, 2025 at 11:01 AM
This #WorldRiversDay, we celebrate the life, history, and beauty of rivers worldwide, including one of the UK’s most iconic waterways, the #RiverThames.
Rivers sustain communities, inspire culture, & connect us with nature, but they face growing challenges that require our care & stewardship.
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Rivers sustain communities, inspire culture, & connect us with nature, but they face growing challenges that require our care & stewardship.
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Marking 100 years of 'The Three Dancers', Theatre Picasso presents a new exhibition that reimagines #Picasso’s fascination with performers and transformation, featuring over 45 works from Tate’s collection and beyond, including some never before seen in the UK, in a theatrical setting.
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September 26, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Marking 100 years of 'The Three Dancers', Theatre Picasso presents a new exhibition that reimagines #Picasso’s fascination with performers and transformation, featuring over 45 works from Tate’s collection and beyond, including some never before seen in the UK, in a theatrical setting.
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