Thames Leisure Boat Hire Blog

Art, as we know, is subjective and our eyes are the true judge when deciding what simply looks good or bad. But when art appears conspicuously in the public domain, does subjectivity still come into it?

In recent years we’ve seen a number of high profile art installations protrude the UK’s landscape. In 1998, The Angel of the North, created eccentric sculptor Anthony Gormley, was erected on Tyneside, sparking both controversy and marvel. However, with over 90,000 visitors every day, either from the east coast mainline railway or sweeping A1, clearly its introduction has been a success story.

In the autumn of 2006, Gormley then masterminded ‘Another Place’, a series of cast iron, life-size figures scattered nearly two miles along the Merseyside coast line. Many locals accused Gormley of public invasion and disregard to conservation, while a minority, more notably The South Sefton Development Trust and local authorities, praised the artist for his vision and creativity.

If you don’t live in the North, then these unusual art forms will hardly cause you to lose any sleep, but what if something similar did happen closer to home? Well, if like us you reside on or near the River Thames, then your eyes and opinion are about to be tested.

Image from londoniscool.com

Gormley has transferred his sculpturing skills to the capital and constructed ‘Quantum Cloud’, a collaboration of steel pieces intricately welded together. According to Gormley the piece represents his mind, but again has been condemned for corrupting a susceptible landscape. Whatever people’s opinions, the structure is staying indefinitely and is another controversial success story for the sculptor.

We think that it looks rather good, and as long as it encourages people to the area and doesn’t affect the environment, then we don’t have a problem with it!

We’re offering a 20% discount off Thames Leisure boat hire throughout February and March on all of our vessels, which means you’ll be able to see this new landmark, as well as a whole host of London’s oldest and most famous ones.