Fancy following a trail of urban bee-themed art installations as you head out to central London this summer?
Helping to support the Bee Friendly Trust, the artworks are popping-up at The Yards in Covent Garden to champion our urban pollinators. The Bees, a series of installations inspired by nature’s hardest workers, features a giant mural, sculptures and an immersive artwork.
As you follow the trail of artwork designed by leading artists, you will be able to learn about the inspiration behind each piece. To help raise awareness of the plight of bees, you will also be able to scan QR codes located around the area, explaining the Bee Friendly Trust’s charity’s work. Bee-themed workshops will also be taking place with proceeds going to the charity.
The installations also celebrate The Yards’ very own colony of up to 240,000 bees, who live in hives high up on the rooftops. Flowers have been planted throughout the area to encourage pollination.
Discover the installations on the trail below:
Urban Ecosystem by Abbey Lossing
Illustrator and animator Abbey Lossing has created a bold and colourful beehive. The piece depicts the urban ecosystem from the depths of the London Underground to the skies above the city. The hive aims to highlight the integral role that bees play in this ecosystem. Listen carefully to get a buzzy surprise! You can find the Urban Ecosystem installation in Mercer Walk.
Wildflowers by Charlie Davis
London-based illustrator Charlie Davis has used the wildflowers that bees pollinate as inspiration for his mural. Featuring a vibrant floral design, it aims to capture the positivity that arises from encouraging natural flowers and bees to thrive in urban areas. You will also find this installation in Mercer Walk.
Bees in the City by Helen Musselwhite
Paper-based artist and model maker Helen Musselwhite has taken one of her signature layered paper artworks and transformed it into a wooden painted scene. Featuring plants, flowers and bees that are larger than life, it’s inspired by the bees living above. Head to St Martin’s Courtyard to discover Bees in the City.
A Hive for Tomorrow by Thomas Burden
Illustration, animation and design specialist Thomas Burden has created a vibrant and playful visual installation. In the form of a beehive, it imagines how honey production could be made easier for those busy bees. You’ll find this quirky hive at the Mercer Street entrance to The Yards.
Are you ready to join in with the buzz? Then check out the details below, or explore more of the outdoor installations taking place in the UK this summer.
When: On until Autumn 2020
Where: The Yards, Covent Garden, London
£: Free
More info: www.theyardscoventgarden.co.uk
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