The Langham Estate has unveiled its first suspended artwork in Fitzrovia Quarter, with contemporary artist Claire Luxton’s illuminated red heart now hanging above Little Portland Street in central London for the festive season.
Titled ‘Love is in the Air Reprise’, the giant heart was lit on Thursday 12 November and will remain illuminated through to the New Year. It hangs at the Great Titchfield Street end of Little Portland Street, providing a backdrop for late-night shopping and Christmas get-togethers in the neighbourhood.
The installation brings to life Luxton’s portrait ‘Love is in the Air’ and was developed with the expertise of MTArt Agency. Designed to create a moment of unexpected surprise and wonder in the West End, it represents all kinds of love, bringing together family, friends and the people we choose to share our lives with.
“I wanted the installation to become a place where people could pause, gather and create a memory together, whether that’s a family photograph, a moment with friends, or simply stopping to take it all in. There is something really joyful about taking an artwork that began as a portrait and turning it into something people can physically experience and interact with. I hope Love Is in the Air Reprise creates one of those little moments of magic where people look up, smile, and feel connected to the people around them.”
Claire Luxton, Contemporary Artist
The switch-on also launched the Fitzrovia Quarter Festive Edit, with brands across the destination offering more than 30 special events, free activations, exclusive offers and seasonal promotions from 12 November. To mark the launch, XO Chocolate gave away 100 hot chocolates at its shop on Riding House Street, while KEF Music Gallery hosted Play It Again, an evening Christmas preview of music, discovery and gifting.
The programme continues with an all-day French watch showcase from Time & Tide on 5 December, featuring 12 French microbrands, and a day of festivities at The Social on 12 December with live acts, DJs and a quiz in support of charities. Kaffeine is running latte art classes at its Eastcastle Street café on 26 November and 10 December, and Pontone Gallery is hosting a group exhibition across three gallery levels until 12 December.
Hospitality venues are adding seasonal programmes. At The London EDITION, Berners Tavern is serving its Festive Feast sharing menu until 21 December and hosting ‘Live at Berners’ candlelit supper club evenings with a house string quartet on 27 November and 11 December. The Newman’s Brasserie Angelica has festive menus from 1 to 24 December, alongside Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Eve dining, while its Gambit Bar hosts a New Year’s Eve party. Seasonal menus are also running at Naroon and Kin, and Aces Food Craft is holding an English sparkling wine dinner with Rathfinny.
Wellness and beauty businesses are offering festive packages and promotions, including DAMU at The Mandrake, WALDOR Clinic, JETSET Pilates, LAPO, VELLIO Health, Sun Kyeong and TA Sports Therapy. Shoppers can also find gifts from brands including ROVI, Faros, Fred Bakery, Lokal, Arlettie, IBRAAZ and Gibson Garage.
Established in 1993, The Langham Estate comprises 11.3 acres of commercial, retail and residential space in Fitzrovia Quarter, between Oxford Street and Regent Street. Its occupiers range from retail brands and independent food and beverage operators to galleries, fashion showrooms and creative studios.
Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.
