List of public art in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets facts for kids

Public art is like an open-air museum! It's art that you can see and enjoy in public places, like parks, streets, and squares. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has many amazing public artworks. These pieces tell stories about the area's history, its people, and even important events. Let's explore some of them!

Timepiece (1973) by Wendy Taylor, with Tower Bridge in the background.

Bethnal Green: Art and History

Bethnal Green is home to several interesting artworks, including memorials that help us remember important moments.

Sculptures in Bethnal Green

• Lesson (1956–1957): This bronze sculpture by Franta Belsky shows a group of figures. It's located at the junction of Gosset Street and Turin Street. It's considered a very important historical artwork, known as a Grade II listed piece.
• Blind Beggar and his Dog (1958): You can find this bronze sculpture by Elisabeth Frink at the Cranbrook Estate. It tells the story of a blind beggar and his loyal dog, a famous local legend. This artwork is even more special, listed as Grade II*.
• Stairway to Heaven (2017): This memorial is at Bethnal Green tube station. It was designed by Harry Paticas and remembers the people who died in a terrible accident there during World War II. It looks like a grand staircase reaching up to the sky.

Bromley-by-Bow: Remembering the Past

Bromley-by-Bow has a significant war memorial.

Bromley-by-Bow War Memorial

• Bromley-by-Bow (North East Ward) War Memorial (1921): This obelisk, designed by Harris & Son, stands in Bromley Recreation Ground. It honours those from the area who lost their lives in wars.

Isle of Dogs: Modern Art and History

The Isle of Dogs, especially around Canary Wharf, is full of modern sculptures and historical pieces.

Artworks on the Isle of Dogs

• Isle of Dogs War Memorial (after 1918): Located at Christ Church, this crucifix memorial is made of Portland stone, timber, and cast iron. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• London River Man (1987): By John W. Mills, this bronze figure is 145 cm tall and can be found at Ensign House, Marsh Wall.
• Leap (1987–1989): Another work by Franta Belsky, this sculpture is at Jamestown Harbour.
• Domino Players (1992): This artwork by Kim Bennet is located at Clove Crescent.
• On Strange And Distant Islands (1992): This sculpture by Michael Kenny is made of limestone, marble, and stainless steel. It's at the Westferry Road entrance of the Limehouse Link tunnel.
• Untitled (1992): A tall, 9-meter sculpture by Nigel Hall, made of weathering steel, found at the eastern entrance of the Limehouse Link tunnel.
• Figurehead for Docklands (1997): This piece by Anna Bisset is located at Poplar Dock.
• Traffic Light Tree (1998): A fun and unusual artwork by Pierre Vivant, this "tree" made of traffic lights has been at a roundabout near Billingsgate Market since 2013.
• Hibbert Gate (2000): Created by Leo Stevenson, this artwork is next to North Dock West.
• Renaissance (Maurice Bilk statue): This sculpture by Maurice Blik is in Nutmeg Lane, East India Dock.

Canary Wharf: A Sculpture Park

Canary Wharf is like a giant outdoor gallery with many sculptures.

• London Joint City and Midland Bank War Memorial (1921): This memorial at 8 Canada Square includes tablets and sculptures made of marble and bronze by Albert Toft.
• Testa Addormentata (1983): By Igor Mitoraj, this sculpture is at the corner of Bank Street and Upper Bank Street.
• Couple on a Seat (1984): You can see this sculpture by Lynn Chadwick in Cabot Square.
• Centurione I (1987): Another work by Igor Mitoraj, located in Columbus Courtyard.
• Spirit of Enterprise (1987): This artwork by Wendy Taylor is in South Dock, Canary Wharf.
• Two Men on a Bench (1990): By Giles Penny, this sculpture is also in Cabot Square.
• Gate (1992): This piece by Giuseppe Lund is in Westferry Circus.
• Centauro (1994): A sculpture by Igor Mitoraj on Upper Bank Street.
• Man With Arms Open (1995): Another sculpture by Giles Penny, found on West India Avenue.
• Minotaur and Hare on Bench (1995): This bronze sculpture by Sophie Ryder is in Wood Wharf.
• Portrait relief of Michael von Clemm (1998): A portrait by Gerald Laing in Cabot Square.
• Original Form (1999): By Keith Rand, this artwork is at 25 North Colonnade.
• Six Public Clocks (1999): These clocks by Konstantin Grcic are in Reuters Plaza.
• Vanishing Point (1999): A sculpture by Jay Battle in Westferry Circus.
• Windwand (2000): This tall, 50-meter carbon fibre sculpture by Ron Arad is at Canary Riverside.
• Returning to Embrace (2000): By Jon Buck, this sculpture is at 10 Cabot Square.
• Speaking of the River (2000): These are audio benches by Constance DeJong at Canary Riverside, where you can listen to sounds related to the river.
• Columbus Screen (2000): A screen artwork by Wendy Ramshaw in Columbus Courtyard.
• 12 Planters (2001–2002): Bronze planters by Tatiana Orloff in Columbus Courtyard.
• It Takes Two (2002): By Bob Allen, this artwork is in One Canada Square.
• HSBC lions (2002): These famous lion sculptures are at 8 Canada Square.
• Arbor (2003): A sculpture by Nigel Ross in Montgomery Square.
• Cross Way (2003): Also by Nigel Ross, in Montgomery Square.
• Sacrificial Anode (2007): By Eilis O'Connell, in Montgomery Square.
• Sasso Cosmico (2007): A sculpture by Do König Vassilakis in Westferry Circus.
• Chimney (2008): This artwork by Andrew Burton is made of recycled bricks and steel, located in Westferry Circus.
• Avatar (2009): By Robert Worley, in Westferry Circus.
• Torsion II (2009–2011): A sculpture by Charles Hadcock near the Jubilee Park exit on Bank Street.
• Drawing Cube (Blue) (2010): By Suresh Dutt, in Montgomery Square.
• Turning Point (2010): A painted bronze sculpture by Oliver Barratt in Wood Wharf.
• Opening Lines (2010): Another painted bronze sculpture by Oliver Barratt in Wood Wharf.
• A Beautiful Sunset Mistaken for a Dawn (2012): This colourful mural by Sinta Tantra is 30 meters long and can be seen on the Docklands Light Railway bridge over Middle Dock.
• Fortuna (2016): A bronze sculpture by Helaine Blumenfeld in Jubilee Park.
• The Knot (2017): This mirrored steel sculpture by Richard Hudson is in Wood Wharf.
• Transitions (2019): A video art piece by Michal Rovner, 16 meters long, in the Everyman lobby at Crossrail Place.
• Metamorphosis (2019): Another bronze sculpture by Helaine Blumenfeld in Wood Wharf.
• Captivated by Colour (2020): A vibrant vinyl mural by Camille Walala inside Adams Plaza Bridge.
• Click Your Heels Together Three Times (2023): A colourful wrapping artwork by Adam Nathaniel Furman on the underside of Adams Plaza Bridge.
• Elantica 'The Boulder' (2023): This sculpture by Tom & Lien Dekyvere is made from circuit boards and is a permanent installation at Crossrail Place.

Limehouse: Waterside Wonders

Limehouse features sculptures near the water and historical memorials.

Art in Limehouse

• Limehouse (St Anne's) War Memorial (1921): This statue by Arthur George Walker is in St Anne's churchyard on Commercial Road. It was unveiled in 1921.
• Ratcliff Memorial Cross (1923): This memorial cross is in St James's Gardens, Butcher Row. It was unveiled in 1923 and is a Grade II listed artwork.
• Restless Dream (1992): A sculpture by Zadok Ben-David at the western entrance of the Limehouse Link tunnel.
• Herring Gull (1994): This sculpture by Jane Ackroyd can be found on Narrow Street.
• Another Time XVI (2012): A unique sculpture by Antony Gormley located in the River Thames off Limehouse.

Mile End and Bow: Statues and Modern Art

This area combines historical statues with newer, thought-provoking pieces.

Public Art in Mile End and Bow

• Statue of William Ewart Gladstone (1882): This statue by Albert Bruce-Joy stands in front of Bow Church on Bow Road. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Bust of Edward VII (1911): This bust is at 39 Mile End Road and was unveiled in 1911. It's a Grade II listed piece.
• Memorial to George Lansbury (1955): This memorial is on Bow Road.
• Bryant & May War Memorial (1958): A memorial cross in Grove Hall Park. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Statue of Clement Attlee (1988): This statue by Frank Forster is at the Queen Mary University of London Mile End campus. It shows Attlee holding a copy of the National Assistance Act 1948, a law that helped people.
• Knowledge (2003): A sculpture by Wendy Taylor in Library Square at Queen Mary University of London. It's an abstract piece made of stainless steel, representing how knowledge spreads easily.
• Sculptural seating (2006): A group of four concrete benches by Leona Matuszczak in Mile End Park.
• Sustrans Portrait Bench (2011): This sculpture in Mile End Park features figures of Sylvia Pankhurst, Ledley King, and a towpath horse.
• Elephant in the Room (2017): A bronze resin sculpture of a sleeping baby elephant by Hannah Stewart and Chierol Lai. It's at Queen Mary University of London and aims to raise awareness about mental health.

Poplar and Blackwall: Maritime and Community Stories

This area has art that reflects its strong connection to the docks and local history.

Artworks in Poplar and Blackwall

• The White Horse (18th century): This wooden sculpture, once a pub sign, is at the corner of Poplar High Street and Saltwell Street. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Female figure (Mid-19th century): This architectural sculpture is on the wall of Lansbury Lawrence School. It used to be on a pub called the Horn of Plenty. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Statue of Richard Green (1865/1866): This statue by Edward William Wyon is on East India Dock Road. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Blackwall tunnel plaque (1897): A commemorative plaque by Alfred Drury at the Blackwall Tunnel northern approach.
• Children's Memorial (1919): This memorial by A. R. Adams in Poplar Recreation Ground remembers the 18 children killed in a bombing raid during World War I. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Poplar (St Michael and All Angels) War Memorial (1920): This sculptural group by A. R. Adams is on St Leonard's Road. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Poplar Rates Rebellion Mural (1990): A mural by Mark Francis on Hale Street, depicting the historic Poplar Rates Rebellion.
• Shadow Play (1992): By Dave King, in front of Compass House, Mulberry Place.
• Aerobic (1993): A sculpture by Allen Jones at Leamouth Roundabout.
• Mariner's Astrolabe, Virginia Quay Settlers Monument (1999): By Wendy Taylor, this piece is on Jamestown Way and is a Grade II listed artwork.
• Acorn Wall Relief (2003): Another artwork by Wendy Taylor at Brunswick Wharf.
• Statue of Teddy Baldock (2014): This statue by Carl Payne is in Langdon Park and was unveiled in 2014.
• Meridians and Metaphors: By David Jacobson, located near the junction of Clove Crescent and Saffron Avenue.

St Katharine Docks: Nautical and Artistic Treasures

This historic dock area is home to several artworks with a maritime theme.

Art at St Katharine Docks

• Cannon (18th century): An old cannon stands at the entrance to St Katharine Docks.
• Anchor of Amsterdam' (1748): The anchor from the ship Amsterdam is located at the entrance to East Dock. It was placed here in the 1980s.
• Girl with Dolphin (1973): A sculpture by David Wynne beside the River Thames, between Tower Bridge and the docks.
• Timepiece (1973): This sculpture by Wendy Taylor is at the entrance to St Katharine Docks. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Elephants (1973): Sculptures by Peter Drew on the gateposts at the entrance to Ivory House.
• Silver Jubilee Crystal Crown (1977): A relief artwork by Arthur Fleischmann at the Tower Hotel.
• Geese (1990): Sculptures by David Norris on Thomas More Street.
• To Meet Again (1990): A sculpture by Michael Beck on Thomas More Street.
• Angelic Musician (1991): A sculpture by Carl Milles on Thomas More Street.
• Exotic Birds and other sculptures (1995–1997): Various sculptures by Paula Haughney located around St Katharine Docks.
• Rope Circle (1997): A sculpture by Wendy Taylor in Hermitage Basin.
• Voyager (2000): Another sculpture by Wendy Taylor at Cinnabar Wharf East.

Shadwell: Local History in Art

Shadwell features memorials and decorative art.

Art in Shadwell

• Memorial to Edward VII (1922): This memorial by Bertram Mackennal in King Edward Memorial Park was once a drinking fountain.
• Navigators' Memorial (1922): A commemorative stone also in King Edward Memorial Park.
• Decorative enamel panels (1995): Murals by Sarah McMenemy at Shadwell railway station.

Spitalfields: Community and Creativity

Spitalfields showcases art that celebrates its diverse communities and history.

Art in Spitalfields

• The Whitechapel Threads (1996): A bronze sculpture by Tim Coppard and Hattie Coppard on Bethnal Green Road. It reminds us of the area's history in garment and textile industries.
• Brick Lane Arch / Banglatown Arch (1997): This decorative arch by Mina Thakur on Brick Lane uses the colours of the flag of Bangladesh to mark the entrance to "Banglatown."
• Vortex (1999): A sculpture by Barbara Sandler on Lamb Street.
• I Goat (2011): A sculpture by Kenny Hunter on Brushfield Street.
• Wooden Boat with Seven People (2011): A sculpture by Kalliopi Lemos on Brushfield Street.
• The Land is Calling (2022): A mural by Mohammed Ali on Brick Lane, created for the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.

Tower Hill: Grand Memorials

Tower Hill is known for its large and important war memorials.

Memorials at Tower Hill

• Merchant Navy First World War Memorial (1928): This war memorial by William Reid Dick and architect Edwin Lutyens is in Trinity Square Gardens. It's a very important Grade I listed site.
• Memorial to Charles Wakefield, 1st Viscount Wakefield (1937): A portrait plaque by Cecil Thomas at 41 Trinity Square. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Merchant Navy Second World War Memorial (1952): Another war memorial in Trinity Square Gardens, designed by Charles Wheeler and architect Edward Maufe. It's a Grade II* listed site.
• Statue of Trajan (20th century): A statue of the Roman emperor Trajan in Trinity Place.
• The Sea (1965–1966): Sculptural groups by Cecil Thomas on gateposts at Tower Hill Terrace.
• Sundial (1992): A sundial by Edwin Russell in Wakefield Gardens, outside Tower Hill tube station.
• Merchant Navy Falklands War Memorial (2005): A war memorial by Gordon Newton in Trinity Square Gardens.
• The Building Worker (2006): A statue by Alan Wilson on Tower Hill.

Victoria Park and Hackney Wick: Green Spaces with Art

These areas feature art within their parks and green spaces.

Art in Victoria Park and Hackney Wick

• Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain (1862): This drinking fountain in Victoria Park is a Grade II* listed structure.
• Hackney Wick War Memorial (1921): An obelisk in Victoria Park, near Cadogan Terrace, honouring war heroes. It's a Grade II listed artwork.

Wapping: Riverside Art

Wapping has art that connects to its riverside and historical past.

Art in Wapping

• Bluecoat Girl and Bluecoat Boy: These statues are in niches at Raine's House.
• Bust of John Rennie the Elder (1992): A bust by John Ravera at Spirit Quay.
• Memorial to the Civilians of East London, 2nd World War 1939–1945 (2008): This sculpture by Wendy Taylor in Hermitage Riverside Memorial Garden remembers civilians who died in World War II bombings.

Whitechapel and Stepney: Community and Heritage

This area has a mix of historical statues, fountains, and murals that tell the story of its vibrant community.

Art in Whitechapel and Stepney

• Drinking fountain (1860): This fountain in White Church Lane was moved from Whitechapel Road. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Shepherd Boy Fountain (1903): This drinking fountain with a statue is in Albert Gardens, Stepney. The figure is actually a harvester, not a shepherd! It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Statue of Alexandra of Denmark (1908): This statue by George Edward Wade is behind the Royal London Hospital on Whitechapel Road. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Edward VII Memorial Drinking Fountain (1911): This drinking fountain with a sculpture by William Silver Frith is on Mile End Road. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Stepney War Memorial (after 1918): A Celtic cross memorial in St Dunstan's churchyard. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• St George in the East War Memorial (1924): An obelisk by Joseph Clayton in St George's Gardens. It's a Grade II listed artwork.
• Bust of William Booth (1927): A bust by George Edward Wade on Mile End Road.
• Cable Street Mural (1976–1983): This large mural by Desmond Rochfort, Dave Binnington, Paul Butler, and Ray Walker is at St George's Town Hall. It shows the historic Battle of Cable Street.
• Statue of William Booth (1979): A statue by George Edward Wade on Mile End Road.
• Les Naïades (1985): A sculpture by Ivor Abrahams at 45 Whitechapel Road.
• Gateway arch (1989): This arch by David Petersen is at the entrance to Altab Ali Park. It remembers Altab Ali.
• Spitalfields Column (1995): A sculpture by Richard Perry on Middlesex Street.
• Ram and Magpie (1996): A sculpture by Paula Haughney in Allen Gardens Playground, Buxton Street.
• Platform artworks (1997): Murals by Doug Patterson at Whitechapel station.
• Shaheed Minar (Martyrs' Monument) (1999): A sculpture in Altab Ali Park, which is a smaller copy of the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was unveiled in 1999.
• Erasmus Weathervane (2007): A weathervane by Rodney Graham on the Whitechapel Gallery.
• The Lady (2012): A ceramic relief by "Chinagirl Tile" in Whitechurch Passage.
• Statue of Catherine Booth (2015): A statue on Mile End Road, based on the work of George Edward Wade. It was unveiled in 2015.
• The Goodman's Fields Horses (2015): Sculptures by Hamish Mackie in Goodman's Fields Piazza, some set in a fountain.
• Bust of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (2016): A bust on Sidney Street, Stepney.
• A Sunday Afternoon in Whitechapel (2018): A series of aluminium panels by Chantal Joffe at Whitechapel station, showing local community members.

See also

• Draped Seated Woman 1957–58 ("Old Flo") by Henry Moore, installed at Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, "for at least five years" from 2017
• List of public art formerly in London for the statue of Robert Milligan (by Richard Westmacott), Faun with Goose (George Ehrlich) and Woman with Fish (Frank Dobson)