Covent Garden has unveiled an immersive light installation within its historic Market Building, developed in collaboration with renowned British designer and Floral Street resident, Sir Paul Smith. This launch marks the beginning of several captivating illumination events planned throughout the year.
Initiated on 16th February to coincide with London Fashion Week, the installation illuminates the iconic Market Building with over 1,000 lights across 36 arches. An hourly light show, running until 3rd March, features the distinctive stripe motif synonymous with Paul Smith, offering a unique sensory experience that blends the designer’s colourful aesthetic with the architectural elegance of the Market Building.
Sir Paul Smith, whose first London store opened in Covent Garden’s Floral Street in 1979, shared his connection to the area: “In many ways, Covent Garden is my London home! My shop on Floral Street was my first in London when I opened it in 1979 and my studio is only a stone’s throw away. It is wonderful to see Covent Garden’s connection to the arts is still as alive as it was when my shop first opened. This part of London is very special to me and I’m delighted that we can celebrate our world famous Signature Stripe in the heart of Covent Garden.”
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The light show, available daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, not only highlights the Signature Stripe but also contributes to the Market Building’s ongoing evolution as a hub for arts and culture. This effort aligns with previous artistic collaborations that have transformed the space, underscoring Covent Garden’s commitment to blending historical preservation with contemporary celebration.
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director of Shaftesbury Capital, emphasised the project’s significance: “Covent Garden has a long history of championing arts and culture throughout the district and we are delighted to welcome one of Covent Garden’s longest standing retailers and global designer Paul Smith to be the first to curate the new LED lighting scheme for the Market Building. The Market Building is the heart of the Covent Garden estate and investing in preserving and celebrating its heritage will ensure it continues to be an icon for generations to come.”
Although the partnership with Paul Smith concludes on 3rd March, the light installation will remain, with future illuminations scheduled to mark various significant dates throughout the year.
