Over the next few months Mark Davy Founder and CEO of Futurecity will revisit 15 public art commissions in London, delivered over the company’s 15 years. He will meet the artists, clients and curators involved and see how the approach to public art has changed over 2 decades’.

For Marks third public art project, he dropped into the Crown Estate’s St James’s Market to revisit Studio Weave’s ‘Safe Deposite’ pavilion, an amazing art and architecture folly, developed and curated by the Futurecity team in 2017. It was intended to be a temporary intervention but it’s still there 5 years later, adding to London lore, inspired by a ‘cabinet of curiosities and Victorian safe deposit boxes. Glass and copper vitrines cover the walls, designed to provide a gallery without walls for the curation of the creativity and craft of neighbouring artisan businesses. It’s the attention to detail which still amazes, small heating units, prevent condensation on the display glass and there are some nice details to be rediscovered, such as the ornate gold leaf ceiling wheatsheaf motif inspired by the sacks of wheat historically used as currency for barter and exchange in the old St James’s Market and a floor laid in pale red, green and brown terrazzo.

Anthea Harries, formerly St James’s Portfolio Manager said, “St James’s has a rich cultural heritage focused around high quality craftsmanship, and this is something we wanted to put right at the heart of our vision for reinvigorating St James’s Market as world-class destination”

Futurecity were commissioned to work with MAKE architects on a public art strategy for the St James Market redevelopment and worked with artists David Thorpe, Studio Swine and Studio Weave to develop projects for the new square, seating, and new offices. This included Studio Swine’s set of artisan furniture pieces and David Thorpe’s craft-based wall pieces in MAKE architects new building.

St James Market
The Crown Estate’s £400 million redevelopment of St James Market in central London is set around a public square and art pavilion, it is home to an outstanding line-up of eclectic restaurants and flagship stores from major lifestyle brands. St James’s Market has created a world-class destination for visitors and businesses, with a complementary mix of office, retail, and dining accommodation, which reflects our wider strategy for the rejuvenation of St James’s. The wider masterplan, which transforms two Piccadilly blocks between Regent Street and Haymarket, is due to complete in 2024.

 

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