city dressing Archives - Field & Lawn

Dazzling illuminated art trail installed in London

Captivating art trail installed

Art of London, the award-winning cultural initiative, returns with Art After Dark, a free late-night arts program showcasing a spectacular neon public art installation by acclaimed artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE, alongside over 16 West End galleries that will stay open late.

Chila Burman has unveiled 14 glowing artworks, including eight new commissions specially for Leicester Square Gardens towering nearly ten feet high. Titled There Is No Darkness in the Garden of Light, the public artworks were on display in the capital’s entertainment district. The stunning illuminated features were expertly installed by placemaking experts at Field and Lawn.

About the artwork

Reflecting Chila Burman’s Indian heritage and inspired by London’s diverse communities, Chila Burman’s creations include radiant representations of Indian deities like Laxmi and Ganesh, a whimsical underwater scene with fish and seashells, as well as icons of South Asian femininity and a magical, Barbie-inspired figure.

Debuting ahead of Diwali, Burman’s installation includes a hypnotic trail of fluorescent artworks exhibited around Leicester Square including neons embellishing the front of London Trocadero, The Hippodrome Casino, Westminster Reference Library and The Londoner hotel. Burman’s illuminated artworks include Dragon, Phoenix, Flamingos, Mermaid, Hanging Monkey and Ice-Cream Cone.

The head-turning art pays homage to iconic local landmarks, such as the water fountains of Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square Gardens, while also connecting with William Shakespeare whose statue stands as a centrepiece in the gardens. Shakespeare’s quote, ‘There is no darkness but ignorance,” inscribed on the fountain featuring his statue, reflects Burman’s philosophy as an artist.

Art After Dark is perfect for a night out with friends or a date, visitors can discover guided tours hosted by arts experts visiting independent arthouses including the Stern Pissarro Gallery, Saatchi Yates, Cristea Roberts Gallery, and Skarstedt. Coinciding with Frieze London, these galleries will remain open late on Thursday October 10th, whilst the Royal Academy of Art, The National Gallery, and National Portrait Gallery will stay open late on Friday 11th October, featuring groundbreaking exhibitions to hop around.

comments and feedback

Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE, said: “I’m made up to unveil my vibrant neon installation, There Is No Darkness in the Garden of Light. Through a series of glowing artworks, I invite people to experience the West End at night and discover how I pay homage to iconic figures of Indian feminism and landmarks like the water fountain in Leicester Square Gardens, to spread joy and celebrate London’s diverse communities.”

Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications, Art of London, said: “Art After Dark returns bigger than ever before, inviting culture seekers to explore the West End’s spectacular exhibitions, bars, and restaurants. Chila Burman’s neon installations beautifully capture the enchanting energy of the area, and we hope it inspires visitors as they experience this trail of illuminated art.”

About Art After Dark In London

Art After Dark is part of Art of London’s commitment to showcasing art in every form, delivered by Heart of London Business Alliance in collaboration with Westminster City Council. Culture seekers can discover a canvas of artistic expression shaped by deities from the artist’s childhood, figures of Indian feminism, and the West End’s renowned restaurants, bars, and theatre shows using Art of London’s handy online guides. With exclusive deals and discounts available, there’s an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and those simply looking to experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Field and Lawn can support with complex outdoor art installations.

About Field and Lawn

Field and Lawn are one of the leading placemaking providers in the UK. With four regional branches, we provide a nationwide service. Our experienced team can assist in a wide range of placemaking projects from conception, fabrication and installation.

Photo Credits: Heart of London Business Alliance

Introducing Our Ready to Hire Christmas Lighting Range

Posted on 24 Jul15 Jul by Mathew Hall

ready to hire christmas lighting

Are you ready to brighten up your town centre, high street or shopping centre this winter? We are thrilled to introduce our commercial christmas lighting brochure featuring a stunning collection of ready to hire commercial Christmas lights. These high-quality, nearly new lighting solutions are sure to bring festive joy! Inside you will find:

• Standout festive features
• Stunning cross street decorations
• Elegant lamp post column motifs
• Enchanting festoon and icicle lighting
• Immersive lighting trail features

All the products featured are available for hire this year and can be delivered across the UK.

Save time and money with ex-display

There is no doubt that budgets are getting tighter this year. We are also seeing a greater emphasis on sustainability. Nearly new ex-display items offer the perfect balance between cost effectiveness and quality whilst reducing the carbon footprint of festive lighting displays. If sustainability is a key factor, you will be pleased to know Field and Lawn are on a Net Zero pathway. So, why choose our ex-hire festive lighting?

• Cost-Effective: Significant savings compared to new purchases.
• Sustainability: Extend the life cycle of Christmas lighting
• Quality: Professionally maintained and ready to dazzle.
• Fast: No long lead times and we can deliver across the UK

Explore our full range of refurbished commercial Christmas decorations and Christmas lights available for 2025 and download the Darker Nights brochure.

We simply couldn’t squeeze everything into the brochure! If you are looking for something specific and can’t find it inside, please contact your local branch. No matter the occasion, location or budget, we can provide a bespoke solution.

Our Project Managers will help you at every stage from finding the best feature to suit your theme to planning, installation and maintenance. If something has caught your eye, please contact us as soon as possible for the latest availability. Our stock is constantly changing so its best to contact us directly for the most up to date availability.

Refurbished, tested and ready for you

Our commitment to quality sets us apart and a crucial step in our service is ensuring that all our festive lighting products are tested, safe and ready to hire. We give every light and fixture a thorough inspection, ensuring they are in perfect condition. This includes the important PAT test, and our head electrician leads that operation.

We can help make the darker nights sparkle this winter

A striking collection of new placemaking flags installed

Posted on 11 Jun11 Jun by Mathew Hall

art in the heart of the city

Art of London and Art in Mayfair, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Arts, have revealed a vibrant aerial display across the West End featuring over 60 flags. Unveiled today and soaring throughout the summer, the public art adorns the skies above Piccadilly and Bond Street, showcasing the talent and diverse artistry of RA Schools alumni and students.

Titled ‘Rainbow Flags’, the innovative artwork on Piccadilly supported by Art of London features a stunning array of vibrant colours, where the edges blur and fold into each other to symbolise the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities. Faramawy masterfully uses colour and soft contours to reinvent the traditional Pride flag and make it more inclusive, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Adham Faramawy, a distinguished graduate of the prestigious RA Schools, created the artwork from which these flags have been based, whilst a student at the RA Schools.

‘Rainbow Flags’ by Adham Faramawy, Piccadilly.

Celebrating diversity

On 29 June, as tens of thousands of people parade down Piccadilly, the 25 flags in the sky invite members of the public to embrace unity and celebrate diversity. In partnership with Heart of London Business Alliance and supported by Westminster City Council, Art of London’s ‘Rainbow Flags’, soaring from 10 June until 1 September also hint at several headline public arts commissions and events with prestigious institutions across the West End.

Art in Mayfair

In parallel, the Art in Mayfair campaign features striking flag designs by Lizzie Munn, a current student at the RA Schools who will graduate in 2024. This commission, now an annual highlight of Art in Mayfair, is a significant recognition of emerging talent in the art world. Munn’s work entitled ‘The sun speaks’ on view from 10 June until 7 July takes the form of large-scale print-based installations, which are often shaped by their environment and will hang across Bond Street. Munn will be presenting works at the RA Schools Show 2024, which will be open from 14 June – 30 June 2024.

‘The sun speaks’ by Lizzie Munn, Bond Street

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Adham Faramawy, Artist, said: “It is an honour to unveil ‘Rainbow Flags’ in the West End. I look forward to seeing the art soar above the streets this summer as a celebration of the reopening of the RA Schools and as a backdrop to Pride in London.”

Lizzie Munn, Artist, said: “I’m excited to be involved with this year’s Art in Mayfair and to create asprawling artwork with the sky as its backdrop. Populated by two visually high-pitched colours, I’ve employed both elements as active materials which are responsive to their site and conditions. The work will be constantly in flux, and always seen anew.”

Mark Williams, Director of Art of London, said: “Every year we look forward to bringing new and exciting public art to the streets of the West End for all to enjoy. We’re thrilled to kick start this in 2024 ahead of the iconic Pride in London with such bright and beautiful flags designed by Adham Faramawy, to reflect the diversity in the heart of the West End.”

Katie Thomas, Associate Director of Bond Street & Mayfair at New West End Company said: “With the backing of the Royal Academy of Arts, Art in Mayfair continues to flourish and grow, becoming a catalyst for inspiring brands throughout this unique destination to forge exceptional art collaborations, mini-exhibitions, showcases, and events. Our collaboration with the gifted young artist Lizzie Munn this year has been especially fulfilling, highlighting the significance of the RA Schools as they cultivate, nurture, and champion the next generation of artists in the Capital.”

The RA schools, founded in 1769, is the longest established school of fine art in the UK and remains free and independent with places awarded to artists based on merit. The recent restoration and renewal project of the RA Schools has delivered fully accessible state-of-the-art facilities for the next generation of artists, while also carefully preserving the rich heritage of the buildings.

Field and Lawn can support with complex outdoor art installations.

Culture seekers can also discover a raft of spectacular arts destinations to visit using Art of London’s handy online guides, filled with world-class art galleries, theatres, museums, institutions and pop-ups to explore in the West End.

About Field and Lawn

Field and Lawn are one of the leading placemaking providers in the UK. With four regional branches, we provide a nationwide service. Our experienced team can assist in a wide range of placemaking projects.

Photo Credits: Heart of London Business Alliance

Art of London unveils bold new banner flags: Placemaking and city dressing

Posted on 13 Jun13 Jun by Mathew Hall

artistic banner flags installed

London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus has been transformed by of a collection of bold geometric, large scale outdoor banner flags. Created by London-based artist Rana Begum in collaboration with Art of London and the Royal Academy of Arts. The display marks the start of the Art of London’s exciting outdoor event Summer Season, titled “The Art of Entertainment.”

Field and Lawn, supported the team with expert installation. The flags feature tiled mosaic patterns that bring a sense of movement and energy to the streets of the West End. Rana Begum’s designs aim to capture the theme of “Art of Entertainment”. The flags will hang high above Piccadilly until the end of August.

The flags play a crucial role in placemaking and city dressing. Placemaking involves transforming public spaces into vibrant, engaging, and inclusive areas that reflect the identity and character of the community. Banners, flags, and bunting can be a colourful and cost-effective way of promoting your brand or event or enhancing the local area.

Field and lawn banner flag installation

Field and Lawn are experts in city dressing. We can supply and install a range of different sized banners or custom flags in PVC, fabric, and mesh materials. These can be erected as cross street displays, on lamp columns or attached to building façades. We can assist with your planning, permits and advertising consents, as well as take care of all infrastructure requirements from installation through to removal.

By incorporating public art installations like the flags in Piccadilly, Art of London aims to create a sense of place that delivers community engagement, cultural expression and enhanced footfall and dwell time in the city.

Artistic Flags

Art of London’s commitment to showcasing art in every form is exemplified by their Gallery Without Walls project. This initiative transforms the West End into a hub of creative expression, seamlessly integrating art into various facets of urban life, including institutions, theatres, retail spaces, and even the streets themselves. The flags in Piccadilly are a testament to the power of art in transforming public spaces into dynamic and visually stimulating environments.

Moreover, the flag installation aligns with London’s Art After Dark program, which promotes evening access to art institutions and independent galleries. This program allows art enthusiasts to explore exhibitions beyond regular opening hours, creating opportunities for a broader audience to engage with art and culture.They give a platform for artists to showcase work and deliver an instant press and publicity opportunity. The benefits of art installations like this is long term, providing a long-lasting social media opportunity.

Field and Lawn can support with complex outdoor art installation.

The response to Rana Begum’s flags has been overwhelmingly positive, with Jo Prosser, a director at the Royal Academy of Arts, praising the installation as a fantastic welcome to the West End. By infusing the cityscape with art, these flags not only enhance the visual appeal of Piccadilly Circus but also contribute to a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere.

About Field and Lawn

Field and Lawn are one of the leading placemaking and city dressing providers in the UK. With four regional branches across, we provide a nationwide service. Our experienced team can assist in a wide range of placemaking projects. In addition to the artistic flags, we have recently installed Coronation flags and Pride flags in key locations. Beyond placemaking, we also provide festive lighting services, event marquees and temporary buildings.

Using building wraps to improve high street aesthetics

Posted on 24 May24 May by Mathew Hall

Bespoke building wraps and window vinyls can transform highstreets and revitalise empty shops

Building wraps and window vinyls are a quick solution that can deliver high impact, creative and eye-catching branding opportunities. Building wraps are large format, typically PVC, weatherproof and flame-retardant outdoor banners. They can cover sections of a building or even the entire building façade. They play an important part in the placemaking and city dressing toolkit.

Building wraps provide a great outdoor marketing opportunity with a significant amount of advertising space. Building wraps are not limited to advertising, they can also serve as effective tools to enhance the appearance of building sites, these are often referred to as scaffolding wraps.

Art-led building wraps

It is becoming increasingly popular to display building wraps that are inspired by art or created by artists themselves. These types of installations are perfect to go on to building façades that are at risk of graffiti or have already been vandalised and need to be covered up. Art-led building wraps bring colour, vibrance and intrigue to an otherwise bland wall space.

They give a platform for artists to showcase work and deliver an instant press and publicity opportunity. The benefits of art installations like this is long term, providing a long-lasting social media opportunity.

Window Vinyls

Window graphics can help transform shopfronts into captivating visual displays that engage the public and create a sense of intrigue. These graphics can be customised to suit the specific needs of each shop, whether it’s promoting products, showcasing offers, or simply advertising a vacant retail unit.

Empty shops and neglected store-fronts are a significant challenge for high streets, Councils and Business Improvement Districts. Vacant retail units are plaguing towns and cities across the UK. According to The Property Reporter, 2022 alone saw a net loss of 3,627 shops on Highstreets across Britain.

There are effective placemaking and city dressing (LINK) solutions that can help improve the aesthetics of the high street when it comes to empty shops. Whist the long-term solution is to re-market and fill retail units, promoting a healthy and prosperous high street. There are shorter-term solutions to that can be delivered to create a more vibrant and appealing town centre environment, while the units are re-let.

Field and Lawn can support with creating window graphics with a full deign service, right through to printing and installation.

Benefits of building wraps and vinyal stickers

The benefits of building wraps and window vinyls go beyond aesthetics. They offer a cost-effective way to maximize advertising reach. Effectively turning the entire building or shopfront into a large-scale marketing canvas. By leveraging the expansive space provided, these graphics, can capture the attention of potential customers and create a lasting impression.

Advantages of building wraps

One of the key advantages of building wraps and window vinyls is their versatility. They can be used in various settings, from construction sites and scaffolding to commercial buildings and high streets. Scaffold wraps and banners. Not only enhance safety by providing protective barriers but also allowing for branding opportunities. Turning construction work into an advertising platform. Building work can often be unsightly and a building wrap shields the construction site from public view.

When it comes to materials, PVC mesh banners are commonly used due to their durability, weather resistance, and ability to withstand outdoor conditions. These banners can withstand strong winds and harsh weather, ensuring that your message remains visible. We can also offer short term fabric banners. This product is more suited to a shorter-term installation to promote a particular event, theme or message.

To make the most of a commercial building wrap, it is important to work with a company that provides a seamless solution, from concept, planning and project management, through to design and high-quality printing. Compelling artwork can really maximise the impact of your marketing campaigns and ensures that your brand message stands out.

Window Vinyl installation

Before installation, a site survey is typically conducted to assess the building’s dimensions and requirements, allowing for precise installation and a seamless fit. Large format banners and floor graphics and wall graphics are other options to consider, expanding the range of advertising opportunities available.

Depending on the size and location of the installation, there may be certain restrictions and advertising consent and/or planning permission may be required. Field and Lawn can support you though this process. It can often be time consuming and lengthy so it’s best to start early. Once all the permissions are in place, installation is quick and can be completed during the day or night depending on the area.

Beyond wraps - large format banners

Large format outdoor banners can be printed with custom artwork and installed across streets to deliver a real wow factor. they provide a large, double sided advertising space when used across the high street.

That’s a wrap!

Field and Lawn can provide a wide range of building wraps, banners and window vinyls. You can transform vacant spaces into visually appealing displays that captivate visitors and potential customers. Whether it’s through large-scale building wraps, window graphics, or other forms of signage, these solutions provide an opportunity to revitalise our high streets, increase brand awareness, and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of our communities.

About Field and Lawn

Field and Lawn are one of the leading placemaking and city dressing providers in the UK. With four regional branches across, we provide a nationwide service. Our experienced team can assist in a wide range of placemaking projects. Beyond placemaking, we also provide festive lighting services, event marquees and temporary buildings.

Placemaking: Transforming cities together

Posted on 2 Mar23 Jul by Mathew Hall

But what is placemaking and why is it important?

Placemaking is a collaborative transformation of open spaces to create vibrant, engaging, and sustainable places that people want to visit, live, work and play in.

City dressing forms part of the placemaking mix. It can use art installations, landscaping, projections, urban greening, large scale signage and other design elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal of spaces.

Field and Lawn and Ollywood are two businesses bursting with creative flair, working together to create unique and engaging urban experiences. Combining a passion for innovation and true creative flair with practical skills to bring placemaking and city dressing projects to life.

Our latest blog looks at how Business Improvement Districts, local Councils and businesses can harness the power of placemaking and city dressing to boost tourism and the visitor economy.

1. Stunning signage

Large scale outdoor lettering and signage can spell out your mission, vision and values. Eye-catching and attention-grabbing, big lettering will give your town, city or high street instant visibility and brand recognition.

Keep it on brand and create custom letting, in line with your online place marketing strategy. This will help you create a cohesive vibe on and offline. Tap onto the online chatter and link the lettering with a hashtag to take the conversation online.

2. Dare to be different

Differentiation from other local highstreets and shopping centers is key in a crowded market. It’s important for businesses, places and cities to stand out from their neighbours to encourage footfall. By using placemaking and city dressing, businesses can create a unique and memorable experience that sets them apart from other areas. This can generate positive social media sentiment along the way.

Find out how we worked with the Photographers’ Gallery in London to create a world class outdoor art gallery installation that proved to be a real talking point, on and offline. Read the full case study here.

3. Positive Placemaking perceptions

Placemaking and city dressing can help improve perceptions. By investing in the physical environment, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the local community and help create a more vibrant and welcoming streetscape design.

Placemaking and city dressing can provide businesses with visually appealing backdrops and outdoor advertising displays. This means that customers will be eager to share images on social media. By creating an “Instagrammable” art installation, businesses can tap into the power of social media. By doing this, towns and cities can generate awareness that will increase visitor footfall. A great example of this in action is high level flags and banners combining artistic flair with clear visual cues.

4. LIFT LOYALTY

Creating an engaging and enjoyable physical environment, with subtle but effective wayfinding can help improve town centre footfall and visitor dwell time. Effective outdoor wayfinding and signage can direct people to visit places they might not even know about! You can combine outdoor banners and flags with clever place branding to create a cohesive identity and a strong sense of place.

By providing a memorable, on brand experience, both inside and outdoors, businesses will increase the likelihood of repeat custom and word of mouth recommendations.

5. Project it!

To support local shops, businesses and restaurants, local authorities and business improvement districts are always looking for ways to draw people back to the high streets. Field and Lawn have worked with many Councils and BIDs on lots of different placemaking projects to make High Streets more attractive and colourful.

Find out how we supported Cambridge City Council with their projection mapping project. Read the full case study here.

Projection mapping is a unique and wonderful way to add to a town or city’s calendar of outdoor events. The bespoke video content could be educational, commemorative or artistic. The actual event is all remotely controlled so everything is looked after. You can just sit back and enjoy the show.

Placemaking will play a huge part in the ongoing recovery of our highstreets as we navigate through challenging economic times. We are committed to enabling big visions and creative thinking. The team at Ollywood and Field and Lawn can help bring your placemaking project, art installation or large scale outdoor signage to life.

Thanks to Kate Elliot for providing the Photographers’ Gallery imagery. It was great to work on this blog, which we hope will provide some inspiration, ideas and guidance on creative placemaking with Ollywood.