Discover London’s Hidden Art with the New Artground Map
Unveiling the London Artground Map
Local residents and art enthusiasts across London have a fantastic new resource to explore the city’s vibrant public art scene, thanks to the creative vision of acclaimed cartographer Helen Ilus. Following the widespread appreciation for her Greenground Map, which ingeniously reimagined London’s parks and green spaces as a Tube network, Ilus has once again applied her unique cartographic skills to unveil the London Artground Map. This innovative chart transforms the way we perceive and discover art beyond traditional gallery settings, connecting a curated selection of prominent sculptures, statues, and enduring examples of street art into an intuitive, Tube-style diagram. The map is designed not just as a navigational tool, but primarily as an invitation to embark on an artistic adventure, inspiring everyone to step outside, look up, and engage with the rich tapestry of creativity that adorns London’s streets and public spaces. It promises to facilitate countless journeys of discovery for those eager to uncover the city’s visible and sometimes hidden artistic treasures, making art appreciation more accessible and enjoyable for all members of the community.
Explore Art Like Never Before
The London Artground Map cleverly interlinks diverse artworks across the city, much like train lines connect stations, offering an intuitive and engaging guide to London’s expansive open-air gallery. For instance, the designated ‘Thames route’ provides a remarkably straightforward path, leading explorers to a captivating array of pieces such as “Dr Salter’s Daydream” in Bermondsey, the creatively modified benches at the South Bank Centre, and Jimmy C’s striking mural of Shakespeare near Borough Market. While some routes offer seamless, easy-to-follow exploration, others might require a little more intrepid sleuthing; however, most featured artworks are easily cross-referenced with labelled art on Google Maps for added convenience. This map serves as an exceptional source of inspiration for anyone planning to visit London and wanting to experience its unique character beyond the usual tourist spots. It highlights a wealth of unique london attractions that might otherwise be overlooked, encouraging a deeper and more personal engagement with the urban landscape. Crucially, the map extends its reach far beyond the central boroughs, inviting exploration into vibrant artistic hubs and community centres like Penge and Walthamstow.
Accessible Art for All
This groundbreaking map offers a fantastic opportunity for enhanced community engagement, transforming how locals and visitors alike can discover and appreciate the diverse range of public art gracing our city. It actively encourages residents to explore new neighbourhoods, appreciate the talent of local and international artists, and find beauty in unexpected places, fostering a stronger connection to London’s rich cultural pulse. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer wondering where to go in London for an authentic and enriching cultural experience, the London Artground Map provides an invaluable and accessible resource. Helen Ilus has thoughtfully made the digital version of this inspiring map available on a pay-what-you-can basis, meaning it can be downloaded for free, although donations to support the artist’s continued innovative work are warmly encouraged. For those who prefer a physical keepsake or a more traditional browsing experience, high-quality prints can be purchased directly from Stanfords, the renowned map shop. This initiative not only celebrates London’s artistic diversity but also significantly promotes accessible cultural enrichment and local exploration for everyone.
Source: Explore The City’s Public Art With The London Artground Map
