News Archive 2021
The Courtauld announces a new partnership with Piccadilly Lights
The Courtauld and Piccadilly Lights joined forces to celebrate the reopening of The Courtauld Gallery – one of the most important UK cultural openings this year, and an exciting new reason to come into central London.
Masterpieces from The Courtauld’s world-famous collection were shown on the iconic screen in Piccadilly Circus on Saturday 20 November at 5 pm, showcasing them to new audiences both in the UK and around the world.
Botticelli’s The Trinity with Saints, Kokoschka’s The Myth of Prometheus and several other works are seen in the video, which was recorded as the final preparations for the reopening were completed.
Since 1908, the Piccadilly Lights have lit up central London with famous brands represented almost continuously since the Lights became operational. The Piccadilly Lights, with it’s 783.5m2 screen, is the largest advertising display in all of Europe.
The partnership supports the Mayor of London’s Let’s Do London campaign, which aims to showcase London’s unique and diverse visitor offering, featuring a variety of London destinations and experiences through a new lens – one that demonstrates all the fun you can have when you do it in London.
The Courtauld reopened on 19 November after being closed for over three years. Its world-famous collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionists including Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère (1882), Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear (1889), and the most significant collection of works by Cézanne in the UK can now be seen in a spectacular new setting in the refurbished gallery at Somerset House.
Watch the moment that The Courtauld appeared on the iconic Piccadilly Lights
Professor Deborah Swallow, Märit Rausing Director of The Courtauld, said: “We are so excited to welcome visitors back into The Courtauld Gallery after being closed for over three years. The transformation has been incredible, and the masterpieces in our collection now shine brighter than ever before. The Courtauld was founded in 1932 on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with art. This partnership with Piccadilly Lights is a wonderful way to bring the works in the Gallery to new audiences, as well as to support the Let’s Do London campaign and encourage visitors to explore London’s cultural delights.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries said: “Bringing the Courtauld’s world-famous art collection to the heart of our city and for free is a brilliant idea. Audiences can see London’s iconic masterpieces on the big screen and I’m delighted it’s part of our Let’s Do London campaign. It’s another great reason for visitors and Londoners to come into central London and enjoy our world-class culture and the latest example of how culture is driving London’s social and economic recovery”
