On September 4 a hand built model of London, created by the artist David Best and Artichoke Creative Company which resulted in creative learning and construction opportunities for school children across London and young people gaining CSCS cards, was floated in the Thames and lit on fire, commemorating the 350 year anniversary of the Great Fire of London.
Artichoke writes:
This spectacular finale will see an extraordinary 120-metre long sculpture of Restoration London floated onto the River Thames and set alight in a dramatic retelling of the story of the Great Fire. The vast representation of the 17th-century London skyline has been designed by American artist David Best, working in collaboration with Artichoke. The project has involved months of learning and participation work with young people across several boroughs adjacent to the City of London: Camden, Hackney, Islington, Newham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets. Hundreds of schoolchildren have taken part in integrated drawing and history workshops in schools across these boroughs, and designed decorative panels to be included in the final piece.
The panels will go on public display in August in each of the five boroughs before being brought together on the river and assembled into the structure. LONDON 1666 also offers young Londoners not in education, employment or training, a potentially life-changing opportunity to take part in the construction of the piece, and to experience a unique and collaborative working environment. Through workshops, placements and volunteering, young people aged between 16-24 years old from Camden, Hackney, Islington, Southwark and Tower Hamlets, will receive an introduction to the construction and creative industries, and the opportunity to gain a CSCS certificate and further employment qualifications, leaving a legacy of skills and partnerships and providing inspiration to help transform their lives.
View a video of the artwork, see the BBC’s iWonder and read the press release
