Crown Estate unveils Piccadilly building art

The Crown Estate has unveiled a piece of public art by Richard Deacon incorporated into the facade of its St James’s Gateway development on Piccadilly.

Deacon – a past Turner winner – worked with the building’s architect Eric Parry Architects on the sculptural cornice.

The 25-metre glowing artwork is Deacon’s first sculpture to be integrated with a building and is formed of 39 individual, ceramic transfer sculptures.

The building will deliver 57,000 sq ft office space, 28,000 sq ft retail space and 18,000 sq ft of residential space and is due for completion this summer.

James Cooksey, head of St James’s portfolio at The Crown Estate said:  “Our investment in St James’s is quickly creating an exciting retail and business destination based around a vibrant local community.

“That’s why providing vibrant public spaces that connect people through shared experiences is so important and why we see art as an essential part of what makes St James’s so special.

“Public art like this piece by Richard can inspire community connections, especially important in Piccadilly, one of London’s most busiest and prominent locations.”

Eric Parry, principal at Eric Parry Architects said: “I was delighted to work with Richard Deacon on this project and to assist the development of an artwork which is so sympathetic to the architecture below.

“The cornice is inspired by the exuberance and activity of the nearby Piccadilly Circus and shows how true collaborations between architects and artists can enrich the experience of buildings for inhabitants of, and visitors to, London.”