Today is the one-year anniversary of the start of the Clap For Our Carers campaign in the UK. Artist Ian Berry collaborated with Make it Blue along with David Bailey, Keira Knightly and Ringo Starr with art that was displayed on the 36 giant screens of the W1 Curates public art platform, a giant exhibition space covering the exterior of the Flannels fashion store on London’s Oxford Street.
The exhibition, presented by arts curator W1 Curates, was the pinnacle of the #LightItBlue campaign which was reignited at the start of the year. Major sporting and entertainment venues, national landmarks and historic buildings across the capital have been illuminating blue on Thursday nights in a gesture of thanks to the NHS and all those on the COVID healthcare frontline and has provided a positive back drop of iconic images that will forever be remembered when looking back at this time.
Ian and Elliott Berry’s #iclapfor Pin Your Thanks badge at W1 Curates photo Ben Waugh
In marking the finale of the nine-week W1 Curates show, today, 25 March, is also the one-year anniversary of the #LightItBlue campaign that has prompted landmarks and buildings to illuminate blue in 23 countries across six continents.
Heading the list of landmarks to light blue for the NHS in recent weeks are The London Eye, County Hall, City Hall, Trafalgar Square, Madame Tussauds London, London Stadium and Olympic Park, the O2, The Shard, Tower 42, One Canada Square, Selfridges and Wembley Arch.
Wembley Stadium Make it Blue #lightitblue
#LightItBlue is organised by MAKEITBLUE CIC, the #LightItBlue campaign was created by members of the UK events and entertainment industry. It began on Thursday 26 March 2020 when over 100 of the UK’s most famous buildings were illuminated blue to coincide with the nationwide round of applause for the NHS and care workers. Since then, territories in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States have joined the campaign.
Ian Berry has also spent much of the last 12 months seeing his and his six-year-old son's #iclapfor clapping hands artwork projected in support of all on the frontline onto buildings all around the country, and abroad.
A new painting by legendary Fashion photographer David Bailey, CBE has also been included in the one-day show at W1 Curates to mark the one year anniversary. Previous artists to display have included Vhils, Michael Craig Martin, Ian Davenport and Helen Downie. At the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street, W1 Curates projects powerful art to the people by transforming the exterior of Flannels’ Flagship store into a giant exhibition space. Using state-of-the-art technology, W1 Curates exhibits the best art with digital prowess and unmissable innovation.
Famed photographer David Bailey also contributed a piece of his artwork. photo Ben Waugh
Tim Owen, Director of the #LightItBlue campaign said: “We love these images, which absolutely chime with our existing collaboration with W1 Curates. For the last nine weeks artists have interpreted messages of thanks and respect to the NHS in their own unique and beautiful way, so they could be displayed and shared digitally with the world.
photo Ben Waugh
Also illuminated was the Pin Your Thanks project that Ian Berry joined with the Iclapfor hands turning into a pin badge. With art contributed by public figures including Emeli Sandé, Keira Knightly, Joe Lycett and Ringo Starr.
photo Ben Waugh
The Pin Your Thanks is ’The People’s Medal’ #pinyourthanks charity fundraising initiative, which turned the designs into pin badges that say a heartfelt thanks to those who have helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can buy a badge here
W1 Curates say that masterpieces should be for everyone, not just the privileged few. Too often, wonderful art can feel exclusive, secluded within dusty galleries or intimidating exhibitions. It can appear inaccessible, upper class or even old fashioned. Instead of being ignited with powerful art, people on the street are bombarded with urban advertising. Mark Dale, Founder, says
“For me, when shoppers rest their bags down and stare at the incredible art, it’s the best feeling in the world. Giving everyone the opportunity to experience art, to access it right on the high street - amid all the noise of city life, it provides this little oasis. Shoppers and workers are left feeling ignited and inspired. That’s why I do it. We bring art to the people, we open those doors, and who knows where that could take them?”
We’re proud to be showcasing works from some of the most innovative artist from around the world.
All #LightItBlue venues are using existing LED technology to illuminate their structures, facades and screens to ensure the campaign adheres to the critical instructions for people to stay at home. All those involved in the campaign are acting on a pro bono basis.
Ian Berry is proud to collaborate with all of these important initiatives of the last year.