A new interactive, sensory artwork has been unveiled at Kew Bridge Gate, inspired by conversations with scientists at the neighbouring Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, drawing on the colour-based wayfinding systems in nature that plants use to attract pollinating insects.
The permanent exhibition will illuminate the underpass from Kew Bridge station for visitors and brighten the journey for sports fans heading to the GTech stadium, home of Brentford FC and London Irish rugby.
The new art installation is part of the major regeneration at Kew Bridge Gate by EcoWorld London. Once a brownfield site, the area is now home to over 1,000 residents. A 17,250-seater community stadium was delivered at the site in 2020, home to Brentford Football Club and London Irish Rugby. Alongside the new homes and stadium, a new space for the BFC Community Sports Trust, retail spaces, and new public realm in Brentford can be found at Kew Bridge Gate.
Artist Jason Bruges said of the design: “Like bees to flowers, passers-by influence the display and become immersed in ever-evolving pattern and colour. The media palette describes interactions between insects and plants. From hibiscus to verbena, many flowers renew and refresh their appearance to communicate with pollinators. I’m excited to see the installation take on new shapes from the many interactions at Kew Bridge Gate.”
Councillor Marina Sharma, who attending the official opening of the exhibition, said:
“I’m delighted to be able to attend the official launch of Floral Guide at Kew Bridge Gate. The interactive and vibrant lights create a colourful arrival to Kew Bridge Gate for residents and visitors, enhancing the station underpass. It is fantastic to see how far the Kew Bridge Gate development has come in such a short space of time, providing much-needed new homes and amenities for Hounslow.”
